Professor Wayi-Mgwebi cares about teaching and helping students learn and develop to their full potential and according to their individual abilities. “I would like to inculcate a culture of establishing projects that are impactful to the community and the industry, in line with the institutional research objectives and niche areas. I am imagining a transdisciplinary project that would be inclusive of various fields in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with solutions to socio-economic problems in a chosen community," she says.
“Our team of researchers are already organised in various research groups, according to areas of specialisation. It is my hope that before the end of the year we would have chosen a community and identified areas that we could improve using ICT,” she explains.
“Teaching is not only about talking in front of listening students, but rather about transferring knowledge in a manner that reaches out to the students, considering their diverse backgrounds and personalities,” continues Professor Wayi-Mgwebi.
“Students should be well informed and know what to expect, as well as what is expected of them. Learning should also be offered in a manner that introduces students to industry practice by means of experimental or practical application of the learning content.”
Community engagement
As the new head of the School of Computing and Mathematics, Professor Wayi-Mgwebi's first order of business is to ensure the success of the newly introduced programmes.
“I joined the school when it had just received approval for three new programmes. My immediate plan is to ensure that as a team we work together to ensure success of these new programmes which are being introduced this year.”
She is looking forward to her new role at the university and is keen to grow and develop alongside the institution.
“My initial plan was to focus on improving my teaching, research and community engagement with limited administration. When the post was advertised, I realised that my experience would be beneficial to this fast-growing institution and that the position will give me an opportunity to understand the comprehensive university environment, which is very different from the traditional institutions I am accustomed to.
I now have an opportunity to grow as a researcher and broaden my management skills in a different environment. I really appreciate and thank the management of the faculty and the institution for the confidence they have in me.”
With more than 10 years’ experience in the field, Professor Wayi-Mgwebi hopes to make a success of the newly introduced programmes in her her school through team work. She would also like to embark on projects to the benefit of communities in the province.
Professor Wayi-Mgwebi started her academic career as a lecturer at North West University and she later joined the University of Fort Hare.
Before joining the University of Mpumalanga, Professor Wayi-Mgwebi served as the Dean for the Faculty of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare from August 2015 until June 2021. Prior to taking this position, she was the Deputy Dean for Teaching, Learning and Community Engagement at the same faculty.
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto.