New HR directors

are enthusiastic, determined and experienced

From healthcare practitioner to HR specialist

 

Coming from Orkney, a small town in the North West Province, Vuyiswa Xoba kicked off her career by training as a nurse. When she realised how passionate she was about people, she left nursing and ventured into human resources.

 

For the past 11 years, she has worked at a number of corporate organisations in various human resource-related positions. Before coming to the university, she was the learning and development manager for Sun International in Bloemfontein. She was appointed as the NWU’s director for organisational development as of 11 September this year.

 

“I want to contribute to building a unified and transformed institution through various organisational interventions and establish a solid organisational culture,” says Vuyiswa. In her new role, her priority is to contribute to the optimisation of the university’s processes and systems, as part of the new operating model.

 

 “Throughout my career I have consciously chosen roles that afford me the opportunity to serve. I am a firm believer that before one can lead, one should serve,” she says.

 

Efficiency and quality are top priorities

 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond  measure.” This quote by American author and lecturer Marianne Williamson is what motivates Evalancia Jones to stay on top of her game.

She initially started working at the NWU in 2012 as the human capital director for client services, servicing the then Potchefstroom Campus and Institutional Office. In July, after the restructuring process, the Human Capital divisions Client Services and Operations were combined, and she was appointed as the director.

 

“In this new role I plan to get the basics right. I will have to go back to the drawing board and assess the capabilities of our staff, the HR systems available, evaluate if the HR policies and guidelines address the needs of the business and analyse the responsiveness of the service execution,” says Evalancia.

 

She obtained her master’s in public administration from the University of the Western Cape and her MBA from Stellenbosch University, and is currently working towards her doctorate in business administration through the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

 

Ready to take the university to new heights

 

With over 12 years of experience within the human resources sector, Prudence Mohoto brings a fresh approach to her new position as the director for talent management, having held HR positions at organisations such as the Spar Group.

 

When asked what she would like to implement in her role, she said: “I want my team to work together in attracting, recruiting, redeploying and remunerating talent that is at the NWU.”

 

The former Pretoria resident is a firm believer that education is the key to success. She plans on furthering her own studies in the near future.

The NWU looks forward to reaping the benefits of the talent, commitment and expertise that Prudence, Evalancia and Vuyiswa have brought to their new positions.