“Community engagement enables an institution and public decision-making organisations to demonstrate the importance of social responsibility,” says Londiwe Mahlangu, liaison officer at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Unit of Community Engagement. We learn more about her duties and what she would like improved at the unit.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga. I attended Fundawazi Primary School as well as Arcadia Primary, and completed Grade 12 at Pretoria High School for Girls. I obtained my honours in Criminology from UP and recently enrolled for a postgraduate diploma in Community Development at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

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Where did you work prior to joining UP?

I was a tutor in Criminology at Unisa for three years. The subject helps society understand, control and reduce crime. During my early days of studying, I was chosen as one of the best-performing students in Criminology to visit Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre to paint it so that it could be child friendly, and to build a library in the female Correctional Centre at Kgosi Mampuru. We believed that sharing positive knowledge with inmates could reduce crime.  

What does your day-to-day role entail?

The Unit of Community Engagement is largely responsible for finding opportunities for students in different communities and facilitating a sustainable relationship between the University and the community. My day-to-day role varies, depending on the time of year. For the most part, I do orientation talks with first-year students involved in community engagement project, update the Community Engagement Management System, meet with lecturers to discuss their community engagement projects and funding, and assist faculties to book transport for students.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy community engagement because it enables the institution and public decision-making organisations to listen and, in turn, demonstrate the importance of social responsibility. Community engagement, then, builds deeper, stronger and more trusting relationships between public organisations and communities. I enjoy meeting inspirational people and organisations that are doing incredible work within their communities with little or no funding.

How would you advise colleagues to handle pressure?

Pressure is inevitable, so dealing with it in a healthy manner is important. Possible ways to handle pressure include remaining calm, staying focused on what needs to be accomplished, helping others to get through their taxing day, side-stepping drama and staying positive, getting help if you need it, steering clear of too much caffeine, taking breaks and utilising your vacation time wisely.

What would you like to improve in your unit and why?

We need to create awareness about our offerings. For example, some lecturers, especially new ones, are not aware of our department’s services and how we can assist them with their modules as far as community engagement is concerned. Some modules need financial support, like where transport is necessary for students and staff. We need to improve on our communication with various UP faculties.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

The least favourite part of my job is drafting minutes and sometimes having to work outside of working hours. Moreover, I have learnt that one must not lower their expectations to meet performance but to raise the level of performance to meet expectations.

What do you do in your free time?

I do a ton of things, from watching TV, reading, going to gym, hiking and playing action netball with my friends to visiting art galleries and theatre houses. I also enjoy playing chess.

What are your personal likes and dislikes?

I am quite adventurous, so I am always keen to try out new activities. I am also a “plant mom”, so plants are always at the top of my list. I do not like routine and people who do not respect time.

Quick quiz:

Sport: Netball and chess

Food: Anything gourmet, pizza and my mom’s cooking

Movies: Independent and art films, which are usually screened at Cinema Nouveau

Music: I enjoy soul, jazz, chill-hop and Afro-house music.

All-time hero: My late grandmother and uncle. They taught me that people are important and that you should treat everyone with kindness and respect regardless of who they are.