From the MD's Desk: Final Message for 2007

"Stimulation of positive human energy towards skills development, a winning attitude and strength of mindset." - Deon Herbst -

CE at UP has managed to established itself as the leading university-based, continuing education entity in the country. After six years’ effort, CE at UP has become an established and well known entity and is occupying the higher ground as a quality, professional career-focused training entity.

With more than 1100 accredited courses presented during 2007, CE at UP has managed to alleviate some of the skills shortages identified in the country and contributed to the enhancement of sustainable economic growth. The University of Pretoria was successfully audited in May 2007 by the Council of Higher Education (CHE), which again stated the high standard of quality of this leading service provider which includes the continuing education by CE at UP.

In optimisation of the corporate functioning and administration of CE at UP, the company has a structured management information system which is customised for CE at UP’s unique requirements in ensuring quality processes, exact record keeping of certificates issued and effective client relationship management.

CE at UP actively participated this year in Social Responsibility Projects (see article) and the personnel of this company showed their compassion towards the needy. The focus for 2008 will be to accommodate an even more structured Corporate Social Responsibility approach which can contribute more progressive to our community.

The product portfolio for 2008 represents a total of 423 active products which include various new courses, specifically in Languages, Project Management, Business Management, Finance and Health as well as a new portfolio of Public Sector courses. With this variety of new courses, CE at UP is well aligned for preparations for 2010 and beyond, and will continue to contribute towards skills development, professionalism and excellence.

CE at UP pronounce 2008 activated and is looking forward at reaching the next level. The company will strive to achieve that through the stimulation of positive human energy towards skills development, a winning attitude and strength of mindset.

CE at UP wishes you a safe and peaceful festive season.

Ministry of Communications visits CE at UP

The Ministry of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri honoured Continuing Education at the University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd on 19 October 2007 with her attendance at the Certificate Ceremony of the Leadership and Management Development Programme.

The top, senior and mid-level managers of the Department of Communications attended this programme, presented by CE at UP with Course Leader, Professor Ann de Boer. The Certificate Ceremony was held  at the Senate Hall at the University of Pretoria and awarded the attendees of this programme for their successful completion.

Dr Matsepe-Casaburri apprised the enthusiastic team of the Department of Communications for their effort and success and declared her confidence in this completed programme as a means to better their mandate and their performance. “We know it will go a long way in enabling the current management to better their own lives, that of their countrymen/women, and of course, the Continent. Skills development is central to the agenda of our Government, and more importantly, to the socio-economic development of our country. We are grateful to the University of Pretoria for assisting the Department to capacitate management with such tailor-made training which began in March 2006”, states Dr Matsepe-Casaburri.

She also mentioned the importance of continuing education. “Empowering yourselves must not stop today – it should be on-going. Remember that education is the best provision for old age.” Dr Matsebe-Casaburri referred to the University of Pretoria and CE at UP as a leading service provider in this sector and the natural choice for providing this training.

From left:  Mr Deon Herbst (Managing Director of CE at UP), Dr Ivy Matsebe-Casaburri  (Minister of Communications) and Prof Calie Pistorius (Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP) at the Certificate Ceremony.  

Public Service Trainers Conference in Limpopo 

CE at UP supported the 11th Public Service Trainers Conference in Limpopo, held at The Ranch from the 4th to the 7th November 2007. This national conference was held for governmental representatives such as Public Sector Training Managers, Skills Development Facilitators and HR Directors and Managers. CE at UP exhibited all portfolios of products and made use of the opportunity to network with government departments' representatives in the training field.

From left: Faith Mabitsi (Event Co-ordinator) and
Mr Deon Herbst (Managing Director of CE at UP).

Attendees of the conference at CE at UP's exibition.

A Season of Giving 

CE at UP warmed the hearts of 75 homeless children this Festive Season. As part of the company’s social responsibility projects, CE at UP donated Christmas tree decorations to *Tsenang Homes of Safety and the personnel sponsored Christmas presents for the children. The Christmas Function took place on 17 November 2007 at NG Church Lyttleton North. Not only did Father Christmas surprise the children with handing out presents, but several Disney characters, a clown and puppet masters contributed to the children’s entertainment. Several staff members of CE at UP attended the function and invested in the children by their presence.

CE at UP attended during 2007 to a diversity of projects which include contributing computers to the South Coast Drug Rehabilitation Centre, assisting with the opening of a library at Meetse A Bophele Primary School, donating clothes and food to POPUP and supporting the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Pretoria with a financial donation. The company is looking forward to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility in 2008 with some new projects and maintain the projects supported in 2007. Continuing Education at the University of Pretoria (CE at UP) is dedicated to continuous improvement of the community for building a better future.

*Tsenang Homes of Safety admits abandoned, abused, traumatised, sick or HIV positive children into Place of Safety Families. Placements of children are monitored by Tsenang Homes of Safety and the safety parents are supported with donations and services free of charge. The safety parents receive also training with regard to nutrition, behavioural problems, statutory requirements, health care and HIV/AIDS management.

Personnel of CE at UP attending the
Christmas Function on 17 November 2007.

Donation of Textbooks to the Department of Marketing and Communication

In support of the successful partnership between Continuing Education at University of Pretoria and the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, the company donated text books to the students of the Department of Marketing and Communication. 

CE at UP trusts that this contribution will assist the Department of Marketing and Communication in its quest to produce quality graduates befitting of South Africa's leading Universities. A number of other organisations also benefitted form CE at UP’s book donations, including the Centre of Hope, City of Tshwane and the South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID).

From left: Ms H Dorfling (Operations Manager, CE at UP), Mr K Marumola (Lecturer) ,Prof AF Grobler (Head of Communication Management) , Prof R Rensburg (Head of Department), Ms E Viviers (Marketing and New Business Development Manager, CE at UP), Prof CH van Heerden (Head of Marketing), Dr L Ehlers (Senior Lecturer).
 

Click here to download all upcoming events for
November 2007 - February 2008.

Focus on Community Development and People Intervention

The development sector in South Africa is facing a number of challenges. These include the core identity of the sector, visionary leadership, accessibility of financial resources and a demand for delivery.

The core identity of the sector, refers to the creative role of participating in formulating unique solutions for society’s problems. A need for experienced and visionary leadership has further been identified, not only due to the recent loss of many experiences leaders and managers, but also due to the need for clarity in focus and purpose.

Another challenge facing the sector is the accessibility of financial resources. Many international donors which actively supported the sector in the past have either changed their strategic focus, or have become involved in bilateral funding agreements with government. Those that continue to fund are setting new and stringent criteria, which places additional burden on organisations within the sector.

Finally the demand for the delivery of development resources and services has increased dramatically. This has lead to the frustration of unmet expectations, as the demand for delivery has escalated completely beyond the sectors’ capacity and resources.

Click here to view details on all courses offered on the Community Development and People Intervention portfolio. For additional information,  contact CE at UP's Customer Service Centre on 012 420 5015 or visit the Courses section of our website.