“Empowerment comes from within – the rest will follow” – Dorah Mashiyane

From her humble beginnings as a kitchen caretaker at the University of Pretoria (UP) to an administrator in the Department of Business Management in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Dorah Mashiyane has demonstrated an admirable commitment to her career development. She joined UP 16 years ago with a diploma in hand – today, she’s a master’s graduate who takes great pride and pleasure in her administrative role. Having been empowered throughout her career, she seeks to do the same for other young women and unemployed youth.

What does your job entail?

I am assigned to the head of the department’s office in the Department of Business Management within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at UP. My primary responsibilities include managing office operations, providing financial and budgetary oversight and human resources-related administration, and coordinating events. In addition, I supervise a team of student assistants and tutors, and oversee the department’s day-to-day activities to ensure the effective delivery of administration and academic support to staff members, students and the department’s strategic partners.

How long have you served in your current role?

I have served the University for 16 years in total, including nine years in my current role in the Department of Business Management. I have occupied other positions within the department.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I get great satisfaction from knowing that I play a pivotal role in contributing to the department’s strategic and operational efficacy. I also enjoy the opportunities to engage and participate in initiatives beyond my scope of duties as an administrator. I’m inspired by my colleagues – especially by Professor Alex Antonites, who is head of the department – as they are very supportive and encouraging of professional growth and career development.

What sort of challenges have you encountered in your career, and how did you navigate these?

I started out at UP as a stand-in kitchen caretaker with only a diploma to my name and no relevant work experience. But in 2008, I was offered a part-time clerical position. I had to navigate the challenges that came with a new office-based role. However, I saw these challenges as an opportunity for growth and to upskill myself. I sought opportunities to learn from those with experience in similar roles, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Additionally, I enrolled in free in-house training programmes to build my administrative competencies and technical skills to perform my duties satisfactorily and effectively. I went on to obtain a postgraduate diploma in Communication Management and later an MPhil in Strategic Communication, both from UP.

Aside from your role at UP, what other activities /roles are you involved in?

If I’m not out catching up with friends over a glass of red wine and live music, I enjoy some quiet time at home reading and watching home renovation shows. I also find gardening therapeutic, and I  enjoy physical activities like hiking and park runs or jogging with my dog to keep in shape.

Any special skills or hidden talents?

I’m not sure if it is a special skill, but I do contemporary dancing, and I sing and compose songs.

What are you most passionate about?

Professionally, I’m most passionate about coordinating events, communications and project management. I am also focused on helping unemployed youth and young women who have fewer chances of accessing higher education and professional development through knowledge empowerment, and personal and career coaching.

What impact do you wish to make on society?

I’d like to help shape the view of youth, young women and mothers through continuous learning and personal development efforts to improve their livelihood.

What is your source of motivation?

I draw my motivation from different sources, depending on the energy I seek on a given day or situation. But a significant source is my daughter; she inspires me to be a better version of myself every single day. She recharges my spirit with her energetic spirit and keeps me content with the little things that I achieve in my professional and personal capacity. She is a constant reminder never to be complacent about exploring my full potential. My faith, family values and the calibre of people I seek counsel from in my career journey have shaped my character and the person I am today.

What are your ambitions and hopes for women in South Africa?

My hope for women in South Africa is to find their voice and unleash the power within themselves to influence change in society and their respective roles in professional spaces. I’d also like to see women supporting one another and driving change, where women are equally valued and considered for more influential roles in society. Additionally, I hope to see more women having access to educational programmes and work opportunities and be protected from gender-based violence and discrimination in all aspects of life.

Can you share a moment when you felt empowered as a woman?

It was when I assumed my current position in the department. It required me to oversee academic-related administration, provide operational and financial oversight, and coordinate critical projects that demanded a special skill set and a high level of technical competence. That inspired me to pursue my postgraduate qualification, upskill and grow professionally. That was the first time I felt truly proud and empowered. It was definitely a confirmation that empowerment comes from within and that the rest will follow.

What important life lesson/motto has shaped you into the person that you are today?

Invest in yourself.  Life always presents us with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. Only with self-discipline and deliberate efforts can personal and professional success be achieved.