COVID-19 has turned the world upside down but business continues for many institutions. The University of Mpumalanga has created systems for staff to be able to work remotely but juggling home life, kids and work still rests on individuals. UMP staff members tell us how they are managing thus far.
"I’m enjoying this new world order.” – Nomsa Mnisi, Deputy Director of Remunerations and Budget in the Human Resources Division.
"I’m enjoying this new world order. It allows me to be flexible and have enough time to rest. As a mom, I make sure my work is up to date, home work is done, food is well prepared, and I take care of most of daily chores.
I always plan my work in advance. I tackle easy emails first and acknowledge the others as well. My work is always a priority, which is why I’ve set up my phone to receive email notifications, which I can then answer promptly.
Although I sometimes experience poor network connectivity due to everyone being connected to the WIFI at home, I’ve had no major issues so far and I’ve found that technology has made life much easier. I’ve attended HR meetings from the comfort of my home and took part in the university’s live streaming of Africa Day.
Working from home has been very efficient and has also proven to save travelling time and costs. This has been a beautiful milestone. The love around my family members and the bonding has made me treasure every moment and appreciate life.”
“It’s fantastic for anyone to be able to work from anywhere and at any time.” – CIcelia van der Linde, ITS specialist.
“I am so used to getting up at 6:00 in the morning, make coffee and then work out. I work from 7am to 5pm every day. I check my emails first, and then take it from there.
It is fantastic for anyone to be able to work from anywhere and at any time – the Virtual Private Network VPN must just be available. I also train lecturers and staff members to work on the ITS SYSTEM.
I am doing the Academic Structure so that must be looked at daily – this is the main brain of the university. If anything goes wrong there, everything could fall apart. I am actually helping other departments as well when they need me.
I’m very much used to working on my own and without supervision, but I’ve really started missing seeing familiar faces and of course, my students. It is exciting to witness and experience how technology is advancing and allowing us to be able to carry on with our work remotely. Nothing is standing still, not even here in South Africa.”
“Working from home is manageable.” – Ayanda Mhlongo, Administrative Assistant in the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“This pandemic has revealed a lot and it is now that we must start engaging in the 4th industrial revolution and keep up with convenience and effectiveness. Not waking up 4am to catch a bus is relaxing.
I plan my day's work by ensuring that everything that I will need to work with is accessible on my laptop. I also clear my mailbox and make sure I have a clear view of what is needed for the day ahead. Remote working is very versatile and effective.
Working from home is manageable. But it also be challenging at the same time. As much as I can plan how long I want to spend time doing work, there are a few distractions like kids either playing outside making noise or having to stop doing my work to make the kids something to eat. So I need to be adaptable."
“Remote working saves teachers’ energy and time.” – Pakama Siyongwana, Associate Professor.
“I prioritise my work as follows: I check my diary and emails frequently and attend to my urgent administrative matters as promptly as I can. Then I avail myself to my preparation, marking and preparing lectures for my students. Except during lunch hour, I stick to my office hours from Monday to Friday. I also set time aside for my research activities; usually on days that I do not have lectures.
I work for a minimum of 7 hours a day. I use my theory periods as stipulated on the teaching timetable. I set assessments based on the teaching timetable. I use the days that I do not have teaching for my research, planning, consulting with post-graduate students and attending to administrative activities.
I find working remotely partly effective because we are only two adults at home, the problem only arises when you need support from your colleagues and there is no one around to assist you immediately.
Remote working saves teachers’ energy and time. It is convenient because students can learn anywhere and stop relying on traditional classes. It is cheaper and convenient to use digital online platforms as users can learn with any device that is connected to the Internet.
There’s no need to rent a building or pay for expensive utility bills that are required to provide students with a learning facility. In addition, students and teachers will no longer commute to class, thereby saving them money and time as well.”
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied