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17 August 2021 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Supplied
Marisna Nel, Director: Governance and Reporting in the Department of Finance.
Marisna Nel is the Director: Governance and Reporting in the Department of Finance at the University of the Free State. Although her overall responsibility relates mainly to governance and financial reporting, it also includes the management of the following divisions within the Department of Finance:  Salaries; Accounts Payable; General Reporting; Travel and Expense Claims; and Financial Systems.

What is the best thing about your job?
The people. I am proud to say I’m surrounded by loyal, hardworking colleagues who will never shy away from walking the extra mile. They never stop to amaze or inspire me. 

What is the best and worst decision you have ever made?
One of my better decisions was to work abroad in both the USA and Ireland for a period of three years post articles. I will always be grateful for the life lessons learnt and professional experienced gained. However great these opportunities were, my ‘best’ decision was to return to South Africa. I truly believe that, irrespective of all the challenges we face in South Africa, we are resilient people with the ability to inspire and influence change. I also met the love of my life back home and am the proud mother of two boys. I do not recall a specific decision that I regret. My life journey thus far formed and made me the person I am today, and therefore I would not want it any other way.

What was/is the biggest challenge of your career?
Balancing my professional career with being a wife and mom. 

What does the word woman, mean to you?
Being a mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, and colleague all in one. I believe that each of these roles contributes to our growth and internal well-being, and that is what makes women special.

Which woman inspires you, and why?
I do not have a specific role model, but rather some specific qualities that I admire. The ability to stay true to your beliefs. Sometimes, it means taking the difficult route to be able to do the right thing and having the courage to do it.

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?
Live and enjoy every moment. Do not focus so much on the future that you forget to enjoy the moment.

What is the one self-care thing that you do? 
Spending time with my family in nature – camping is our family thing. It helps me to refocus on what really matters when life wants to run away with me.

What makes you a woman of quality, impact, and care?
My values and strong ethics make me who I am – helping me to make fair decisions consistently and focus on the true North in times of difficulty. I believe the way to build trust is by always being honest. This is what I try to live by and also teach my children. The last value I hold dear is what my father has always emphasised through his entire life – humility. We are all part of a bigger picture and each one has an important role to play.
 
I cannot live without … coffee and my family. 
My secret weapon is … my ability to laugh at myself. 
I always have … faith. 
I will never … parachute.
I hope … to someday be able to say that I’m done with my to-do list.

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus Hosts a DSD Roadshow
2012-04-04

 

In front, from  the left, in front: Joe Mosuhli (DSD Provincial Office), Ms Maboe Grey Magaiza (Lecturer: Sociology), Ms SM Khupane (Thibella Marakabeng Traditional Council), Mr Mbulaheni Mulaudzi (DSD). At the back, from the left: Dr Malete, Dr Elsa Crause (Departmental Head: Sociology), Chief Mahase (Phomolong Traditional Council), Mrs Sadi Luka (DSD), Chief QD Moloi (Makgolokweng Traditional Council), Chief Sekonyela (Thibella Traditional Council), Ms Mpontseng Kumeke (DSD) and Mrs Malikoankoetla Tsosane (Matsieng Traditional Council).

The National Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Free State Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State, hosted a road show on the professionalisation of Community Development Practice yesterday.

This inaugural road show was aimed at conceptualising and soliciting stakeholder buy-in in the new Community Development Qualification Framework, which was jointly developed by the department and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The road show also briefed stakeholders on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pilot project that will integrate the current community development workforce into the national qualification framework. Stakeholders were also briefed on the professionalisation process and were given a platform on which to talk about related issues. This included the formation of a community development association, a unified professional body and eventually, the formation of an independent statutory council.

In his welcoming remarks, Campus Principal Dr Elias Malete said that the envisaged programme of professionalising community development practice would address the local needs and bring vibrancy to affected communities. “The programme will definitely help in revitalizing our campus and the community we serve,” said Dr Malete. He was referring to the Qwaqwa Campus Revitalisation Plan. “Among the plans we have is the introduction of the four year Bachelor of Community Development degree. We are confident that our proposal will be received favourably and that we will offer this qualification from 2013,” Dr Malete said to applause from the invited guests and community members.

Talking on behalf of the provincial Department of Social Development was the department's head, Me Matlhogonolo Maboe, who emphasised the fact that large segments of communities were entirely dependent on the community development sector for their daily survival. “In professionalising the sector, we would be building vibrant rural communities and repositioning them to be better equipped in addressing what President Zuma referred to as the ‘triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality’ in his State of the Nation address in February”, said Me Maboe.

Traditional leaders from the Qwaqwa area, national and provincial departmental officials as well as students and staff of the UFS attended the road show.
 

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