Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini graduates again
- Wits University
Respect for the profession created the need to do this qualification, says Dlamini.
A medical doctor, successful businesswoman, and the Wits Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini graduated today, 26 April 2022, at Wits University with a teaching qualification. She received a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and was amongst teachers, across a range of educational qualifications, capped during the April graduation season at Wits University.
Dlamini, who already holds multiple qualifications, says that teaching is the mother of professions and as someone who has a passion for the education, she chose to pursue a PGCE in order to do justice to those that she serves.
“Respect for the profession created the need to do this qualification,” says Dlamini.
Her view is that the continued professionalisation of teaching is essential and that teaching practicals must be extended beyond the current six weeks.
Comparing the practical training afforded to recently qualified doctors, lawyers and accountants, Dlamini says the teaching profession is shortchanged.
"This undermines the profession and its value to to society."
Her wish is for a national review as the teaching profession is no less than the above profession and teachers deserve thorough training under the supervision of experienced seniors.
Dlamini holds an MBChB from the former University of Natal, a Doctorate in Business Leadership from UNISA, an MBA from Wits University, and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford University.
Well-recognised in business circles, she was elected Chancellor of Wits University in 2018, a role in which she serves as a sounding board to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University and who serves as the ‘Chief Executive Officer’ of the institution.
Dlamini is invested in the success and the transformation of education and the higher education sector. Since joining Wits she has established the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) programme, which seeks to boost the gender and racial profile of leaders in academia.
She, together with her husband Sizwe Nxasana, founded Future Nations Schools, a network of schools which seek to revolutionise education through relevant, futuristic, Africa-focused and technology-enabled education.
Despite these demanding roles and having her hands full, Dlamini encourages lifelong learning.
“I’ve studied something every decade of my life. Learning is a lifelong journey, both formal and informal.”
On striking a balance, Dlamini says the key is to do what matters to you: “There is no balance in life in my view. However, there are choices and opportunity costs with each choice. I try to stay true to my priorities. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t, but I never stop trying,” she says.