Tell me about the work you do.
I am the academic and visionary leader of the faculty: this consists of having a vision and identifying a five-year operational plan based on key focus areas, including research and community engagement.
In addition, part of my role is to facilitate capacity-building in academics and professional support staff, as well as ensuring that the students who register in the faculty have a positive experience.
How did you end up doing what you do today?
My career started as a physiotherapist, working in the public and private sector.
While working as a clinician in the community, I started engaging with students, facilitating their learning of the community-based management of people with long-term conditions such as a stroke.
While in this position, I developed a passion for working with students and applied for a position in the physiotherapy department at the University of the Western Cape. I started as a lecturer, but was promoted after I obtained my PhD.
My last position before becoming the dean was the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the faculty of community and health sciences.
What are some of issues that would come up in the rehabilitation of adults due to neurological conditions?
Facilitating the functional recovery of these individuals, training the caregivers and acting as an advocate.
I am also involved in research that facilitates the reintegration of individuals into their homes and communities after suffering a stroke.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I always wanted to work in a space where I would make a difference to people's lives, specifically in the medical field.
As I was quite active in sport when I was growing up, a career in physiotherapy matched the two aspects I was interested in - sport and medicine.
What do you love most about the work you do?
Facilitating capacity development of students and staff. I thrive on seeing others achieve.
I believe that I have the capacity to assist in making a difference in society by helping others to achieve.
What part of your job would readers find most surprising?
That an important role of a dean is to make the faculty a unique setting, a place that attracts students, staff and researchers from local, regional and international settings due to its unique offerings.
What makes you good at the work you do?
My interest in students and staff. My academic qualifications and experience in academic leadership, as well as my openness towards others, allow me to do this job well.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
Be the difference.
Have your own career journey based on what you would like to achieve and not what others have achieved or what others would like you to achieve.
Also remember that some people take longer to get to the finish line than others - it is finishing the race that matters.
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