GRASP University of Pretoria
Transformation achievements Implementation of the revised language policy
ALUMNI FOCUS Our alumni are our most enduring asset
MARGARET SKOSANA: MUNICIPAL MANAGER, NKANGALA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
UP’s
revised language policy has been implemented institution-wide since January 2019. The purpose of the policy is to determine language planning, management and practice at the University in a framework that promotes academic quality, equality and social cohesion, as well as to redress imbalances. The revised language policy seeks to promote inclusiveness and social cohesion, while guarding against exclusivity and marginalisation, and in this way contributes to creating an environment where all students and staff feel confident and comfortable and can enjoy a sense of belonging. It recognises the intrinsic value of the diverse linguistic backgrounds that students and staff bring to the University, and promote multilingualism in all South African languages, with specific responsibility for the development of Sepedi to the highest level of scholarship. English is now the language of teaching and learning at UP, except in cases where the object of study is a language other than English and in programmes with profession-specific language outcomes, subject to approval by Senate. English is also the language of official communication and administration institution-wide. To support learning where feasible, UP will adequately resource the development of Sepedi to a higher level of scientific discourse and support the maintenance of Afrikaans as a language of scholarship. It will also encourage and enable students and staff formally and informally to learn other South African languages. Learning support for language and visually impaired students and staff will be prioritised.
New names for UP residences
As
part of its broader transformation project, UP has renamed some of its residences with African names. The aim of this endeavour is to provide for a more multilingual, multicultural and inclusive living environment for students. Residence house committees were requested to host discussions in their respective residences to make suggestions for alternative names. In view of the unique environment in each residence, each residence was responsible for determining its own process in this regard. Residences used house meetings, transformation committee discussions, surveys, e-voting and consultations with alumni to reach decisions. The processes were consultative and inclusive. Name changes have been approved by the University Council and will be phased in over time. The proposed changes have been received positively.
Overcoming adversity to become an implementer of positive change
Margaret
Skosana is the youngest Municipal Manager in the Mpumalanga Province, where she ensures that Nkangala District Municipality maintains its clean audit status. However, the road that has brought her here has not been without its challenges. After completing matric in 1997, she decided to pursue a career in civil engineering. She registered at the Technikon Northern Gauteng for a National Diploma in Civil Engineering, which she completed in record time. Her achievements included being awarded the Best National Diploma Student in Civil Engineering by the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE) in 2001. Upon graduation, she joined BKS Consulting (now AECOM), where she had completed her practical in-service training, as a senior technician in the Bridge Department. In 2004, she embarked on further studies, obtaining a BTech degree in Transportation from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2007, followed in 2012 by a BSc honours (Applied Science) degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pretoria, specialising in transport planning, and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree from North-West University in 2018. She managed to accomplish her achievements despite life-changing challenges. In 2004, she was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left her in a wheelchair at the age of 23. This was a very difficult period in her life, but it was during this time that she succeeded in displaying the characteristics of a strong leader who refused to give up on her dream. Margaret commented that, while studying at UP, she faced challenges of accessibility when the classes she had to attend were located two floors below ground level without lifts to ensure accessibility. Her husband had to come to assist her during lunch time to navigate the staircases for her to access ablution facilities, have lunch and then take her back for afternoon classes. This was, however, improved in the second semester when her classes were changed to accessible venues. She implores institutions to do more to improve accessibility for people living with disabilities. The quality of education at UP, she indicates, is of a high level and the administration efficient. A qualification from UP, she comments, is one to be proud of. It is offered by highly skilled and professional lecturers. In 2005, she joined Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality in Groblersdal as a Project Management Unit Manager responsible for the implementation of infrastructure capital projects. In 2007, she was promoted to Director: Technical Services. Upon expiry of her contract, she was appointed Director: Technical Services in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, but returned to her former employer four months later as Municipal Manager. She has recently been elected Chairperson of the Provincial Municipal Manager’s Forum for the Mpumalanga Province.
11