?
Dear Colleague,
It is with great pleasure that I contribute to this gazette in my new capacity as Acting Chief Operating Officer. It is a privilege to join the Operations and Finance Responsibility Centre (RC). Although I have previously collaborated with many of the divisions within this RC, the past three months have provided more exposure to the five divisions that make up this diverse yet interwoven environment.
I would like to thank Professor Stan du Plessis, who introduced me to (some of) the inner workings of this RC during the preceding months when we worked closely together.
It is interesting to compare this environment (with five specialised units collaborating on various levels) to the academic world, where universities usually organise different academic disciplines into faculties, departments, centres or units. Because knowledge is interconnected, and solving complex societal problems requires wisdom that extends beyond disciplinary boundaries, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary schools, centres, and research, although not the norm, are becoming increasingly important. Across our Institution we have the challenging opportunity of thinking and working independently, together.
When contemplating the concept of a university, we know that initially, there were no buildings or faculties; instead, there were only masters (teachers) and students. After all, the Latin term 'universitas' signifies a community or association of individuals. Throughout history, masters and students have convened in designated spaces for the exchange and critique of ideas. Over time, these locations have become established and are now readily recognisable due to the presence of facilities such as libraries, laboratories, classrooms, sports fields and other amenities designed to enhance the benefits of the community's collective presence. Innovation and knowledge creation were always at the core of this community.
In recent times, technological advancements such as the internet, increased data accessibility, and online connectivity have raised pertinent questions about the future of universities as places of learning.
Currently, the advantages of learning, teaching, and socialising in an environment with exceptional facilities, opportunities for collective presence and collaboration, and the involvement of industry and civil society in an accessible setting remain significant. The importance of operations and finance to the university community, and our role in the 肆客足球, is therefore evident. Nevertheless, we also need to develop a vision of our role in the future in a complex and changing world. In this respect, our ability to imagine what could be, will provide the foresight to position this RC best to deliver the most professional and suitable operations despite limited available resources. The saying that 'whether you think you can, or think you can't – you're right', comes to mind. A growth mindset accepts that just because something works, it doesn't mean it cannot be improved, and that because something was unsuccessful, it doesn't mean it was a failure.
Operations, finance and academia are intrinsically interconnected. The optimal functioning of each component maximises the potential of the other. This imperative for seamless and efficient operations and finance has far-reaching implications for the university's organisational structure, leadership, staff development, and resources required. I acknowledge that achieving a seamless and effortless service necessitates substantial effort, and I have been impressed by the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the individuals I have encountered over the past months.
I look forward to meeting many more colleagues in the months ahead and learning more about the interesting people and wide-ranging activities within the RC.
You may note that the graphics of the Operations and Finance Gazette have been updated to represent a mixed flower garden. The maxim, 'Where flowers bloom so does hope", underscores the belief that to plant and cultivate a garden embodies faith in the future. This sentiment motivates us to approach our tasks with meticulous attention, a long-term perspective, and a diversity of inputs and approaches that introduce variety, creativity, and satisfaction.
I look forward to collaborating with you. My aspiration is that we can mutually challenge, support and motivate one another to enhance the optimal functioning of our university and the wellness of our staff and students. This will facilitate the flourishing of our Maties community and extend our positive impact beyond its immediate vicinity.
Nicola Smit
'A flower's appeal is in its contradictions – so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.'
?
