{"id":26464,"date":"2025-08-14T13:41:42","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T13:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=26464"},"modified":"2025-08-14T13:42:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T13:42:29","slug":"vuts-dr-josiah-masoka-appointed-deputy-chair-of-sahruf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/vuts-dr-josiah-masoka-appointed-deputy-chair-of-sahruf\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT\u2019s Dr Josiah Masoka appointed deputy chair of SAHRUF"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT’s Dr Josiah Masoka was named deputy chair of SAHRUF, driving innovation, industry collaboration, and future-fit HR education in South Africa.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

08 August 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane Picture:\u00a0Naledi Nkosi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a03 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VUT\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Dr Masoka, the appointment is more than just a title, it is a personal, departmental, and institutional milestone. \u201cIt contributes to my personal growth, enhances recognition for our department\u2019s qualifications, and showcases VUT\u2019s commitment to excellence in HR education,\u201d he said with visible pride. \u201cThis platform allows me to learn from other institutions while advocating for the best HR teaching practices across higher education.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His journey to this point is marked by dedication and depth. Armed with a National Diploma and BTech in HRM, a Master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to his two-year term, Dr Masoka\u2019s 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. \u201cGraduates must be technologically inclined, critical thinkers, and able to work independently,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His advice to emerging HR professionals is heartfelt: \u201cAllow 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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