Dr Fulufhelo Mulidzwi aims to use his PhD in Human Resource Management to engage more effectively in student mentorship and to enhance his research output.
Mulidzwi is an Academic Development Officer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies Teaching and Learning Office.
“My decision to pursue a PhD was strongly influenced by the encouragement and mentorship of Professor Msizi Mkhize after I shared the news that I completed my master’s degree,” said Mulidzwi.
Although he was uncertain about pursuing a PhD instead of focusing on securing employment, Mulidzwi says having mentorship and support from Professor Mkhize gave him confidence to pursue the PhD journey, and he has plans to pay it forward.
Said Mulidzwi: “These interactions between Professor Mkhize and I had a profound impact on me. Knowing that someone believed in my abilities and was willing to support me gave me the confidence to register for my PhD at the beginning of 2023. The qualification will enable me to better support and guide students in their academic journeys.”
‘Employee Performance Post-Coronavirus Pandemic in the Public Institutions of Higher Learning in KwaZulu-Natal’ is the title of Mulidzwi’s study, supervised by Dr Njabulo Khumalo and Dr Benson Plaatjies.
The study examined employee performance in public institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal in the post-COVID-19 era. The study revealed that employee performance in the post-COVID-19 context has been significantly influenced by factors such as adaptation to remote work, technological readiness, psychological resilience, and institutional support systems.
“While some employees demonstrated increased flexibility and productivity within hybrid working models, others experienced burnout, isolation, and reduced motivation. Employee wellness initiatives emerged as critical enablers of improved performance in the post-pandemic environment,” said Mulidzwi.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
