VOX POP
Their feedback ranged from “frustrating” and “challenging” to “productive” and “learning new technological skills”.
Lockdown time:
rising to the challenge
These are some of the reactions of our staff members when eish! asked about their experiences of working from home and how the lockdown has affected their family life.
Let’s look at their responses.
(Click on each photo to read more.)
Dr Zimbili Mkhize
Lecturer, Chemistry subject group, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mahikeng
“The lockdown period has been frustrating and my productivity has been interrupted by struggles with the internet, household chores and having to assist my daughter with her school work that she has had to submit every day.
“It has also been frustrating because it came with the shutting down of laboratories which are an essential part of chemistry.
“On a positive note, one has been able to focus on learning technologies and techniques for e-learning. For me and my family, this has been a bonding time as it has forced us to be together for 24 hours per day.”
Prof Nnesi Kgabe
Director: Research Support, Potchefstroom
“I’ve managed to use the time that is normally taken up by meetings to catch up with most planning, reporting and related aspects of my work.
“I have also been able to focus more, because I no longer worry about managing the risk of exposure for my team members during working hours.
“It has not been possible to be with all members of my family because of the nature of their work (essential services). However, we’ve managed to keep in touch using available communication technologies.”
Dr Manuela Fernandes-Martins
Senior academic developer, Centre for Teaching and Learning, Vanderbijlpark
“Although we normally offer more face-to-face support to lecturers and students, working from home has been productive for me.
“My colleagues and I have experienced good leadership from our directors; we are working towards a plan, and are motivating each other during this challenging time!
“At home, my family and I read a lot more news to stay informed about Covid-19. During this time, we have also seen that people are really caring.”
“My husband is part of essential services and has also been working from home. Our child sees our commitment and we have made a point of taking breaks to spend time together. We are grateful that we can Skype with family.”
Dr Piet Ntema
Lecturer, Subject Group Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Vanderbijlpark
“I must admit the lockdown has been challenging as it is not possible to pop in at someone’s office to ask for help when you need it. On the other hand, it has taught one discipline and to appreciate those things we didn't really appreciate when we had access to them.
“I don't stay with all of my family members and being on lockdown makes it difficult to visit and spend time together as a family.”
Elize van der Westhuizen
Administrative assistant, Applications and Admissions Office, Vanderbijlpark
“At the admissions department, we mainly help applicants who are visiting our offices. During the lockdown period we have to assist them through email and some functions are not accessible from home. This probably means putting in more hours when the lockdown is over.
“The lockdown has also impacted my family life.
“I am an expectant mother and I fear for my own and the little one’s health. As a second-year NWU student I worry about issues such as not going to class, using self-study methods and whether we would be able to write tests and exams.
“Throughout all this, however, I trust in God and in the power of prayer.”
Prof Jeanetta du Plessis
Deputy dean: Research and innovation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom
“During lockdown it is important to keep in touch with my colleagues, letting them know that I am willing to assist them. I have also had contact with international colleagues whom I sort of ‘lost’ during the rat race.
“Another positive outcome is that I have gained several technological skills that I did not have before …. we Baby Boomers have had to learn fast!
“With only my son still living with us, I have really missed my daughters and son-in-law, and visiting those family members who have had ‘lockdown birthdays’ this year. But I enjoyed working side-by-side with my husband, Johann (from Research Support) in our dining room turned office@home.”
Vincent Eastes
Office and project manager in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
IT and Potchefstroom Campus Operations
“It is very challenging to adhere to normal office hours during the lockdown, and it requires discipline, but it is also very relaxing to sit and work outdoors.
“I am very grateful for IT’s infrastructure and support. They make working from home so easy, but I acknowledge the huge effort and commitment of colleagues behind the scenes.
“Surprisingly, the lockdown has had a very positive influence on my family life. The dynamics of a household of six people 24/7 is quite a challenge, but we manage each personality and a chores schedule makes life easier. It has definitely brought us closer and taught us to respect each other's personal space and expectations!”
Thulani Phakathi
Teaching and learning resource assistant, Centre for Teaching and Learning, Mahikeng
“Working from home was at first uncomfortable because of the change in work space and environment. I had to work according to a proper planned daily schedule, which has made life easier and work more efficient.
“Sometimes I get carried away with work and forget about lunch hour and knock-off time. I am still trying to strike a balance between the time spent on work and family. Fortunately, I live alone at the moment, so I am pretty flexible around work emergencies during this period.”
Reagan Bahetane
Campus radio station manager, Student Life, Mahikeng
“The lockdown experience is quite refreshing and disciplines me to allocate and manage my time effectively. The first three days came with its own adaptation challenges, but so far so good.
“My family and I have come to appreciate the time we are able to spend with one another and have become closer than ever before.”
Corrie Landsberg
Marketer, Marketing and Student Recruitment, Mahikeng
“As marketers, it is important to keep in touch with our learners and keep them updated regarding their application status. As not all of them have internet, the WhatsApp platform is mostly our go-to platform.
“During our Monday meetings via Vidyo, us marketers do some troubleshooting and share information. But hopefully we can flatten the curve of infections together and get back to our normal working environment. Social contact will be nice.
“Having three kids aged six to 12, need I say more about family life during lockdown? If scientists don't find a vaccine soon, parents will. Luckily schoolwork and chores around the house keep them occupied.”