– by Noluthando Makhaza
It was a Thursday afternoon in one of the Durban beach hotel’s conference venues where our 2018 Management Development Programme (MDP) Graduands gathered as they celebrated one of their major career milestones. The delegates had been on a developmental journey where they attended the programme for six months last year. As we all know, studying while working is no child’s play. These delegates had to juggle work, school and social life altogether, some even went as far as being away from family and their loved ones. “It has been a long journey, but one worth sacrificing for as we now reap the benefits” – said one of the delegates enthusiastically.
The ceremony started off with the National Anthem as it depicts unity and diversity of a prayerful nation. The two hour graduation programme was then held together by a few of the UEL staff members including our CEO – Mr Simon Tankard, our keynote speaker – Mr Aleck Skhosana (Athletics South Africa President) and Araz Maharaj as he presented his speech reflecting on the programme at large on behalf of all the MDP delegates.
During the MDP grogramme delegates were assessed individually and in groups. These assessments incorporated a business simulation exercise, presentations as well as coaching sessions where academics provided leadership supervision to assist the delegates in their professional and personal development journey. There was then a prize giving ceremony towards the end of the graduation, which was the highlight of the night as three graduates received awards for outstanding results. Receiving an award in third place was Ms. Sharon Naicker, Mr Rory Torr in second place and Mr Charles Davis in first place.
As it is graduation season around the country, we would like to congratulate our MDP graduates for pushing against all odds. As we acknowledge that learning does not stop here, we would like encourage them to keep developing themselves professionally and personally! If you would also like to be part of the winning team, please click here to learn more about our forthcoming MDP intake.
