“I dislike dishonest people. Dishonesty affects your intelligence,” says Lesedi Mabuse, a senior officer at residence placement. She tells Tukkievaria how she landed a full-time job at UP. 

Share your background with colleagues:

I was born in Mapopane, a residential suburb in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, to the north of Pretoria in Gauteng. I grew up under the guidance of parents who placed high standards and demands on their children to succeed. I started my early schooling at Sunvalley Primary School and completed grade 12 at IR Lesolang Secondary School.

I graduated with my Bachelor of Laws (LL. B.) at the University of Pretoria and was employed at TuksRes for five years. I started as a student assistant and currently, I’m a full-time senior officer at the Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation.

What attracted you to UP?

The open days conducted by Sci-Enza for high schools played a vital role. By attending these I was exposed to greater clarity on the university's offering; visited different faculties and spoke to representatives of the institution who help potential students decide which qualifications are a good fit for them. The University of Pretoria is at the centre of our province and it is accessible. It is a seven-campus public university with its largest campus in the heart of Hatfield. It is the picturesque, diplomatic hub of South Africa's capital city. I’m proud to be part of the world's leading research university.

What does your day-to-day role entail?

My duties include, among others, placing students in our UP residences and working hand-in-hand with our residence coordinators to ensure that rooms are ready if a student leaves residence and a new one is placed. I also attend to students and parents through telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries. I also see to system-related matters; these include generating reports and dealing with the accreditation of privately-owned residences.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy working at the student residences. What’s important to me is ensuring that students are exposed to an enabling environment where their living space can alleviate stress, increase confidence and allow them to excel in the other areas of their academic life. However, it should also be acknowledged that student accommodation is used by many as a place to study as not all students find studying in a library environment as the best way. For this reason, residence life allows students to have a distraction-free zone that’s free of home chores, family interruptions, gaming, television and the like. 

What is your least favourite part of this job?

Some students are introverts. I often noticed that they prefer privacy than engaging with their peers. They value making their own decisions outside of others' opinions and often don't enjoy group discussions. This is a challenge because we may not implement any necessary interventions where they could be necessary.

What do you do in your free time?

I do not have much free time because I’m focusing on my academic career in Multidisciplinary Human Rights (master’s level). I’m also currently watching the proceedings in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial which was further delayed after the fifth state witness, who is yet to be sworn in, brought an application against the broadcasting of her testimony in visual and sound. I’m interested to find out how this will play out and if the Supreme Court of Appeal will be required to make a ruling on the application.

What are your personal dislikes?

I dislike dishonest people. Dishonesty affects your intelligence. Liars often think they are cleverer than you, and that they control the narrative. They feel smug. This is disgusting and offensive. It is given that trust is essential to human relationships. We must learn that the basic fabric of society depends upon trust. Lies destroy trust. In many instances, real lives are destroyed by lies. Once you crack that egg, the yoke isn’t going back in. Lies are often done to benefit the liar at the recipients’ expense. They are untruths done to benefit the liar and knowingly committed. So, lying often is associated with harm. In real contexts, being tactful and withholding information that the recipient will not benefit from and will be harmed by is a different matter. For example, if an axe murderer is at the front door and asks if his intended victim is hiding in your house. If you say “no,” that is better than telling the truth.

Quick quiz:

Sport: I watch football from time to time – Hala Madrid! I also gym occasionally.

Food: I love stew meat and samp. I’m also a fan of KFC and Spur.

Movies: The case for Christ, Loving and Dear John

Actors: Jim Caviezel

Musician: I love gospel music so I would currently say Spirit of Praise.

All-time hero: My all-time hero is my mother. She is a woman of faith and has shown our family the definition of love. I hope I become at least half the woman that she is.