Welcoming Our New Staff Members

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new staff members. We are excited to have you on board and look forward to the contributions you will make to our team.

When we asked them a few questions to get to know them better, this is how they responded:

Gloria Rametsi:

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 Administration Assistant, come to me for general office administration, I am the face and first point contact of the library.

2. How do you prefer to start your day?

During the week I prepare what to wear for the following day and prepare my snack as well. In the morning, I wake up at 04:30 AM and go straight to the bathroom to bath, dress and go to work. Over the weekend, I wake up at 06:00 AM and exercise, bathe, prepare breakfast and watch TV and on Sunday I go to church.

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

Public speaking. This is a skill I am working on. Currently, I am so nervous to stand in front of a crowd.

4. What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?

I pray. God is with us and God will hear our prayers. I also reach out to a colleague or a friend just to vent out and avoid bottling my emotions in.

5. What’s one irrational fear that you have?

Snakes! Even after seeing them on TV or in a movie, I often have bad dreams about them. 

6. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

"We Will Rock You" by Queen or "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. 

Nokulunga Mvelase:

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

I am a Research Commons Information Assistant, providing first-line support to Postgraduate students in need of assistance with research and research methodology.

2. What’s your go-to productivity trick?

My go-to productivity trick is to meditate for a few minutes before starting any task or assignment. This helps calm my mind and prepares my brain to stay focused during the hours of productivity ahead. 

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

If I were to write a book about my life, the title would be "Destined for Purpose: A Life of Impact”. It reflects my aspiration to lead a meaningful and impactful life, serving others and inspiring generations to come.

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

My friends would describe me with these three words: "courageous, disciplined, and easy-going."

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

I am undeniably a cat person, but I also delight in the company of dogs. At home, I am fortunate to have both a cat and a dog, showcasing my affection for both furry friends. While I do prefer cats due to their independence and quieter nature, I still find joy and comfort in the playful and loyal presence of dogs.

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

Netball has been my favourite sport since childhood, and I continue to love it to this day. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to play the sport regularly. I support the South African National netball team and wish them well as they play in this year’s Netball World Cup. Go Proteas!

Meisie Rasakanya:

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

I am a junior Information Assistant at Research Commons. You can come to me if you need assistance with referencing tools (like Endnote and Zotero), data analysis tools (SPSS and R (RStudio)), information searches on a database, research support, and editing or formatting a Word document.

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

Always being dedicated, goal-driven and focused. I am someone who believes in putting in the effort to succeed.

3. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?

I worked at Ryan Air in 2019 as a flight consultant. Most of the clients were rude because they were frustrated by problems such as flight cancellations or delays… I learnt to always remain calm and professional.

4. What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?

Shopping! I love going out to buy myself a new pair of heels or anything that I can put on that will make me feel confident! I want to look at myself in the mirror and see South Africa’s next top model. I always do this when I want to turn my bad day into a beautiful day.

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

While studying abroad (in Hungary), I met different people from diverse groups and backgrounds. I learnt a lot, but it also made me love our own country more and realise how beautiful and special it is.

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

Lehumo, which means "wealth”.

Jacqueline McTamney:

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

I am currently taking online courses through DataCamp to improve my data analysis skills on a variety of software applications.

2. What was your first job? 

My first job was a waitressing position I started in high school. I continued working in restaurants for about 7 years, realizing I thrive in a position where I can get to know people from different backgrounds.

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

In 2019, I took my first international trip, flying alone from Florida to South Africa for a month. I fell in love with the country, moving here in 2022 for my postgraduate studies.

4. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A veterinarian. While I have dreamed of many other paths since then, funny enough, I am now registered at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences.

5. What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? 

If it is a Formula 1 weekend, I will be watching every minute of it!

6. What fictional place would you most like to visit? 

Middle Earth, I am obsessed with The Lord