Welcome

Welcome to the following staff members:-

 Mr Lazarus Gallant Matizirofa newly appointed Deputy Director 

       Getting to know Lazarus Matizirofa: Deputy Director

1. What do you do at the Department of Library Services and in what circumstances would I come to you for something? 

I am currently trying to learn every bit of DLS while on my honeymoon. However, with 16 years academic library services experience the navigation is quite exciting.  I think after spending a few years in the corporate and private sector, I am adaptable to any environment. I have become more of a technocrat, with versatile people skills, but I am not a preacher.

2. What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I am currently reading and researching around digital law, digital citizenship and open science in my private space.

3. What was your first job?

My first job was working at a public library, as a student intern, shelving and cataloguing books. But the exciting part was working at the circulation desk in the children’s section.

4. What led you to this career?

I failed an endurance induction to join the air force due to injury after high school, and then tried journalism at the Harare Polytechnic. Not so exposed to the television media, I also failed the portfolio presentations and quickly swopped to LIS after one of the panel members suggested I should consider LIS. Fortunately, I had my high school library prefect awards in my portfolio presentation. Same day I submitted my application and was admitted at the then only Library School in Zimbabwe.  Therefore, my early library work as a school library prefect influenced my LIS career.

5. If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

I like gardening and farming. I am always eager to see something grow out of the soil until it is harvested. I have my own ‘farm’ at my urban home. In addition, I like visiting the family farm now and again to work with the soil and live with the natural habitat in order to shed the stress of urban life. 

6. What energizes you outside of work?

Lately I have learnt to focus on my wellness through healthy eating, exercising and knowing when to work harder and when to rest. 

7. What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?

I played soccer throughout my teenage life through to varsity level. I then played for the university staff team as a striker. I like great coaches and I am a fan of Jose Mourinho…so I follow him where he coaches. Locally, I support my neighbourhood team – Bidvest WITS. Maybe one day  I would like to support the Tuks Soccer Team.

8. What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

After climbing part of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016, I would now like to walk on the Great Wall of China.

 

 

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Mr Piet Makitla  

who will be managing facilities in the library

       Getting to know Piet Makitla

1. What do you do at Merensky Library and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?

I am managing Library facilities and related services and you may come to me for assistance with your facilities related challenges.

2. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

       I am an early bird.

3. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

My mentor, Ms Vinay Rajah

4. How do you prefer to end your day?

With a smile.

5. What led you to this career?

Passion in rendering of services.

6. If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

An accountant

7. What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?

Tutoring, knowledge sharing is very important.

8. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

Road running

9. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Focused, resilient and friendly

10. Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?

Dog person

11. If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be?

Rock

12. What book are you reading now?

“Working through barriers of success” by Sibusiso Molimi