Welcome

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the following new staff members:-

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Ms Lerato Bopape was appointed as an Information Specialist in the EBIT team on level 5 in the Merensky 2 Library in July 2021.

We have asked her some questions about herself to get to know her better. 

1. How do you prefer to start your day?

I start my day with a prayer and some coffee.

2. What was your first job?

I was a librarian at the National Library of South Africa in Pretoria, whilst studying for my honours degree.

3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

It’s never too late to start and there are no mistakes or bad decisions, just lessons.

4. What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?

I am currently walking, but I would like to increase the pace and start running to participate in races.

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

I am a dog person, we have 5 dogs at home and 4 puppies now. 

6. What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?

Running races and joining a book club.

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

Thailand.

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Ms Glenda Makate  is appointed as an Information Specialist and has joined the Health Sciences Library.

 

Glenda has answered some questions in order for us to get to now her a bit better.

 

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

I am an information specialist for the Health Science Library. One can come to me when they are in need of a literature search, research support, collection development and information literacy.

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

I am currently studying my master’s degree through UNISA in order to empower myself in the field of
information science. I am also writing academic papers that shall be published in accredited
journals.

3. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I have a positive drive as I am hardworking person who does not give up. I make sure my work is done
on time and is successful. I like to challenge myself by setting goals to be achieved in a certain time
and I strive to reach my goals.

4. What led you to this career?

My passion for working with people led me to a career as an information specialist. I was very keen to study
information science after I completed my first degree, and nothing stopped me, even though it was a
challenging journey.

5. What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?

I am proud to call myself an author. I have co-authored 3 papers that are published in accredited
journals.

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

Loving, fun and peaceful.

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Ms Linda Mbonambi is appointed as an Information Specialist and has joined the Health Sciences Library.

 

We asked her some questions to get to know her in more detail.

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

I am Information Specialist for Health Sciences and you may come to me for a variety of information related to Health Sciences, ranging from print to electronic resources, research skills and collaboration on projects.

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

I am currently working on my research paper and my investigation is based on LibGuides as tools to support teaching and learning. This journey is empowering me with more knowledge and research related skills, and I am learning to think deeper critically than before.

3. What was your first job?

My first job was Acquisition Assistance. At the time, there was no advanced system for the Acquisitions department and everything was done manually. Working in the department was interesting as this was a transition from a student to library staff member. That is where I began to understand the process of purchasing a book and placing them on the shelves, eventual checked them out to users through signing cards to issue a book.

4. What led you to this career?

During my first year at the University, I wanted to be a teacher or nurse. In those days, it was regarded as the profession. especially for those from rural environments, but through working in the library, a new interest developed and eventually I decided to change the career to librarianship.

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

Mauritius. I would like to visit and be on the seaside for the sea views and experiences.

6. What’s one thing you are learning and why it is important?

Knowledge is power, but it is more powerful when it is shared.

Mr Michael Makhubele was appointed as a Senior Information Assistant and has joined the Law Library.

He has provided us with a few answers to some questions so that we can get to know him a bit better.

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

I am a senior Information Assistant at the Law Library. You may come to me for assistance with your information related challenges.

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

I am an early bird because the early bird catches the fattest worm.

3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Education is the key to success.

4. What is one of your favourite memories from the past?

A family gathering held in 2018, before COVID19.

5. What is your favourite sport to watch and which team do you root for?

Soccer and my favourite team is the Mamelodi Sundowns.

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

I am a dog person!

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Ms Othilia Matjomane is appointed as an Information Officer and she has joined the Access and Lending team on level 3 of the Merensky Library.

She has graciously answered a few questions about herself so that we can get to know her better.  

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

I work in the Merensky library 2, at the Access and Lending section on level three. Here we manage and monitor the flow of library items such as books, CD’s, videos etc. that would be borrowed or returned by patrons, who I like to call community members, of the library. Patrons are categorised as external users visiting the library, students, lectures and library employees. A person would approach me when they want to find out how to put a book on hold, how to take it out. Because I am situated in an area that is at the centre of the whole library and am very much familiar with how other departments are functioning, I would sometimes, if not most of the times, direct patrons to relevant places to get the assistance that they need in the library.

2. How do you prefer to start your day?

Prayer. The uncertainties happening around us and the limitation of our knowledge as human beings propels us to believe and have faith in one way or another. My assurance of how the day will go is derived from the strength of believing that, no matter what, God has my back.

3. If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?

My life experiences from the streets of Ngwaritsi. Growing up, I struggled with managing my emotions due to my difficult childhood. I got better not only through therapists, but also by learning from other peoples stories. Therefore, I believe my own story can help change somebody’s negative perspective about themselves.

4. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

“It’s not ok to feel lonely, but you can be strong”. I think there is power in acceptance. The earlier a person learns that not everything will go according to their own will, the better. It serves as the best way to draw some strength from within and to adjust to uncomfortable situations without collapsing over things that do not exist.

5. If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sweet Potato! In the villages of Limpopo, we plant our own different fruits and vegetables due to the sufficient agricultural space that we have, even though water can be a struggle sometimes. We plant mealie meal, sweet potatoes, pumpkins etc. Whichever family has more, people use butter trade to exchange between themselves. My family was planting more mealie meal and we would exchange this for oranges and sweet potatoes and other veggies. I would eat sweet potato for breakfast with tea, smashed during lunch with pap and even supper without ever having enough of it. Even when I am lazy to cook, it's sweet potato all the way for me. As a girl from Limpopo, I am a SWEET POTATO girl!

6. What book are you reading now?

Unlocking the Bible by Pawson, J. David. I love encouraging people to be strong in unpleasant situations. I want to see everyone happy and doing well in life, even in the absence of expected materials. There has never been a book (even though I haven’t read all the books in the world) that has not stretched what I believe can be possible other than the Holy Bible. Therefore, trying by all means necessary to familiarise myself with it all the time and meditate on it is very much crucial for me to love more and have hope.

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Mr Randolf Pretorius was appointed as a Senior Information Assistant in August in the Education Library in August 2021.

He has answered some questions about himself so we can get to know him better. 

1. What energizes you at work?

Helping students and assisting them with all the information they need energizes me and motivates me to do my work.

2. Are you an early bird or night owl?

I am an  early bird because morning is the best time of the day. I am always energized and ready to start the day.

3. What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Spending time with my family gives me peace and joy after a busy day.

4. If you had to pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?

I would choose to be in my mid twenties because those are the most interesting and adventurous times to be alive.

5. Are you a dog or cat person?

I prefer dogs because they are simply adorable creatures.

6. Which season is your favorite?

I prefer summer as my favorite season because it is the best time to go out and spend time with family and friends. 

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Mrs René Caesar has been appointed as a Management Assistant for the Executive Management Office at the Merensky Library.

Mrs Rene Caesar was appointed as a Management Assistant for the Executive Management Office at the Merensky 2 Library In August 2021.

She has provided us with some answers to a few questions about herself so we can get to know her in more detail!

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

I started working at the University of Pretoria in 2017. I am employed as a Management Assistant in the Executive management office. I am interested learning about the amazing products/services offered by the DLS. I believe in professionalism and open communication. I hope to be a team player moving forward within the wider DLS Community/Team.

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

I am currently doing research on the different terms and services within the unit. As well as library policies and procedures.

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

Teammates within the organisation/departments.

4. What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading an inspirational book called The Gift by Edith Eger. I am a COVID19 survivor and this book taught me to live everyday like it is a gift.

5. What led you to this career?

Each day offers new opportunities for growth as I interact with new colleagues, products and services. I enjoy the different opportunities my position throws at me.

6. What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I see myself as an empathetic, ambitious person who has a strong desire to achieve success by meeting goals and expectations in the work place.

7. What was your first job?

My first and most fulfilling job was working with special need families as a facilitator. Andres and Daniel, two very special boys, were on the spectrum. I was able to learn a new skill as a facilitator to be able to pick up on small gestures, glances and facial expressions that can point to communicate the unsaid and understand their reaction and/or opinion.

8. If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?

WhatsApp, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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

Early bird.

10. What’s a trip that changed you, and why?

A backpackers trip between Cape town and Plettenbergbay with my best friend Rosy. The next year Covid 19 sadly came to pass.

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Mr Tebogo Sithole was appointed as a Senior Information Assistant and has joined the Humanities Team in the Merensky Library.

Tebogo has answered a few questions about himself so that we can get to know him a bit more personally!

1. What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I have a teachable spirit, which has allowed me to adapt and assimilate in almost every environment. My ability and willingness to learn has allowed me to succeed and thrive in all environments.

2. What energizes you at work?

New challenging task and assignments. I become easily bored when I do one thing over and over, again which doesn’t guarantee growth.

3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Do not be too hard on yourself; take it one step at a time.

4. What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?

I am trying to make waking up early my new habit. I have been struggling for years.

5. What book are you reading now?

Dinner with Mugabe, it is very interesting! A lady has lunch with the tyrant to assess how he feels about his leadership. It came across as though the dictator was not really proud of his legacy as he had so many regrets.

6. If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would definitely be carrot cake!

 

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A very warm welcome to you! We are very excited to have you join our Library family. 

All the best in your new position and we hope you will have a fruitful experience working with us!