27 August 2020
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Story Eugene Seegers
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Photo Jolandi Griesel
Sipho Dlwati lives to help others.
Siphokazi Dlwati believes in mentoring. Not only in being mentored,
but in mentoring others as well. In fact, this is her life’s philosophy. As she puts it: “I am convinced that each one of us has the potential to be absolutely great at everything we do; but I also believe that we need assistance from
those who have gone before us, people who have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to guide and caution us.”
Sipho strives to be such a model and mentor: “I believe that everything I learn is not just for my benefit, but it is for the benefit of those who are looking up to me, those who are interested in my journey and how I have managed to make it a level
or a step further than where they are.”
“Good relationships are the
real measure of true success.”
—Siphokazi Dlwati,
Faculty of Theology and Religion
Please tell us about yourself
“I am the
Teaching and Learning Manager in the
Faculty of Theology and Religion. I see my role at the institution as that of a middleman between faculty staff, students, and the institution. Mine is to ensure
that all three entities hear and understand each other’s needs. On one hand, institutional teaching and learning strategies and policies need to be disseminated at faculty level for input and later implementation to the betterment of the teaching
and learning experience for both staff and students. On the other hand, the institutional culture needs to evolve and be more sensitive to the needs of its students and staff, inevitably adjusting its policies and strategies to better accommodate
all
Kovsies!”
What do you do at the university?
“I am inspired by all the women I am surrounded by, be it at home, work or even in social spaces. There is a common thread among all of them. Their strength, resilience, and courage to always try, even when it seems futile, is not only encouraging
but also enabling, as it says, ‘I can also achieve much in my life’.”
What advice would you give to a 15-year-old you?
“Loss has helped me to channel my energies constructively. Realising that nothing lasts forever has motivated me to never take anyone or anything for granted.
Against all your pursuits, never compromise the value of relationships for commodities. Good relationships are the real measure of true success.
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.
Let that pace you!”
Is there a woman who inspires you and who you would like to celebrate this Women’s Month, and why?
“I think my desire and commitment to see our staff and students grow from one level of success to the next is what makes me a champion woman. We all have the potential to be great at whatever we put our minds to, but we do need assistance from others.
We need guidance from those who have gone before us and acquired the necessary information and skills to guide us as people journeying behind them. I believe that everything I learn and acquire should not solely benefit me, but others as well.”