Human Resource body empowers VUT Future HR Leaders

On September 19, 2024, the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) co-hosted a lively student conference with Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Department of Human Resource Management. The event was held at the Quest Conference Centre in Vanderbijlpark under the theme “Unleash the Power of People: How HR Shapes Your Dream Job.”

The session began with informative talks from SABPP representatives Ms. Selina Tshaba and Ms. Musengeli Ravele, who introduced attendees to the SABPP HR Professional Body. They described the board’s mission, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing HR practices in South Africa and the critical role students may play in assisting SABPP in achieving its objectives.

Ms. Gcina Mthembu, an experienced HR Advisor, made an outstanding keynote talk. Ms. Mthembu, speaking on the theme of creating a dynamic workplace, encouraged guests to read “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” a book she described as critical for personal and professional development.

“To thrive is to grow,” Ms. Mthembu stated in her remarks. “When employees are thriving, they are energized, they feel valued, and they are willing to go beyond the call of duty.” She further emphasized the vital role HR professionals play in creating environments where employees can thrive highlighting the significance of establishing order in the workplace to promote productivity and employee well-being.

Adding to the conversation, Mr. Fusi Motaung (HR Specialist) and Dr. Christine Janse Van Rensburg (Senior Lecturer) gave practical guidance on how to create a captivating CV for the modern workplace and examined the characteristics of a good HR professional. Motaung quoted Dave Ulrich, saying, “You as an HR professional have four areas where you must play without apologizing. You must become your employer’s strategic partner, a change agent, an employee champion, and always remember that you are an administrative expert or a technology advocate.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. One attendee asked the speakers about the key motivators for selecting candidates for interviews based on their CVs. Ms. Khanyi Tshabalala clarified, “We have employment equity. Every organization creates its own employment equity strategy, which they must follow, and underrepresentation plays a part in the hiring process.”

The event was a well-rounded experience, offering valuable information and interactive opportunities for future HR professionals to engage and grow.