“VUT’s Dr Josiah Masoka was named deputy chair of SAHRUF, driving innovation, industry collaboration, and future-fit HR education in South Africa.”
11 August 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Naledi Nkosi
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is celebrating a proud moment as Dr Josiah Masoka, Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management (HRM) in the Faculty of Management Sciences, takes up the role of Deputy Chair of the South African Human Resource University Forum (SAHRUF).
For Dr Masoka, the appointment is more than just a title, it is a personal, departmental, and institutional milestone. “It contributes to my personal growth, enhances recognition for our department’s qualifications, and showcases VUT’s commitment to excellence in HR education,” he said with visible pride. “This platform allows me to learn from other institutions while advocating for the best HR teaching practices across higher education.”
His journey to this point is marked by dedication and depth. Armed with a National Diploma and BTech in HRM, a Master’s degree in HRM, and a PhD in Business Administration, his research has explored employee fit, job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour, and retention. In his 15 years of lecturing, he has also been an active member of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) since 2012.
SAHRUF, as the academic arm of the SABPP, plays a vital role in aligning HR education with industry needs. It brings together universities to share insights, set standards, and shape curricula that prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace.
Looking ahead to his two-year term, Dr Masoka’s priorities include exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on HR roles, ensuring graduates stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, and placing a stronger emphasis on soft skills and ethical conduct, qualities he says are often lacking in the industry. “Graduates must be technologically inclined, critical thinkers, and able to work independently,” he stressed.
He also envisions stronger collaboration between academia and industry, with initiatives such as partnerships with Sage to offer HR payroll software certification, simulation activities, and guest lectures to bridge theory and practice.
Yet, he is under no illusion about the challenges. From a shortage of skilled personnel and compliance gaps in labour law to diversity barriers, mental health concerns, and low employee morale, Dr Masoka believes these issues demand urgent attention. He sees SAHRUF as a driving force for ethical conduct, inclusion, and preparing graduates for both current and future demands.
His advice to emerging HR professionals is heartfelt: “Allow time to shape you. Like wine, HR expertise matures with time. Stay focused, be patient, appreciate your current role, and adopt a positive mindset. Learning is lifelong, use every resource and opportunity at your disposal.”
As he steps into this leadership role, Dr Masoka carries not only the hopes of his department but also the vision of shaping HR education across South Africa, ensuring VUT graduates remain future-fit and ready to thrive.