Welcome - Lizwi Njani, Web & Systems Co-ordinator

Lizwi Njani joined the Department of Library Services as a Senior Coordinator: Web and Systems in November 2024. His academic credentials include a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science from UNISA, a B.Com (Honours) in Information Systems from the University of Fort Hare, and a recently completed Advanced Project Management short course from North-West University (NWU). He is also a certified Oracle PL/SQL Developer Associate.

In his previous role as a Business Analyst at NWU, his responsibilities included identifying and analyzing business needs within the library and determining effective solutions to improve functions and processes. His duties encompassed the administration, maintenance, and support of DSpace, OJS, Figshare, and WMS. Prior to that, he served as an IT Developer, focusing on developing and supporting SQL reports and analytics dashboards for NWU. His areas of expertise include data analytics, software development, web design, development and testing, project management, and database programming with SQL and PL/SQL.

As the Coordinator: Web and Systems, Lizwi is currently responsible for understanding the Department of Library Services' business needs and ensuring that the website and systems are accessible, responsive, and meet the diverse needs of our users. His goal is to continually improve the website and systems to make them inclusive, accessible, usable, and user-centered.

Getting to know Lizwi:

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

The combination of my experiences and the people around me influences how I approach my work daily. My background, family, and community instilled in me a positive attitude, encouraging me to always look on the bright side of things and approach my work with discipline and respect.

2. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

Taking a gap year after matric. I remained in my shell, feeling like a victim of my circumstances and waiting for someone to save me. This experience taught me the importance of taking initiative and actively shaping my own future.

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

Lizwi, you are not special, and you don’t deserve anything by default. Go out there and live life wholeheartedly. Remember, happiness is a by-product of engaging in authentic and meaningful activities that benefit yourself and your community.

4. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am the founder of a non-profit organization called Umthombo Wekamva, based in my rural hometown of Port St. Johns. The organization mentors and guides Grade 12 learners as they navigate their career paths.

5. What book are you reading now?

I’ve just started The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.

6. What’s one totally irrational fear that you have?

I have an irrational fear of flying. The way I say my secret prayer during flights is incredible; I can never seem to get used to airplanes.