??Published in May to commemorate Workers' Day, our annual #dayinthelife series spotlights our staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). This year, we highlight professional administrative support services staff who make a tangible difference in students' lives.
As a member of the Division for Institutional Strategy, Research and Analytics, Jacolette Kloppers focuses on projects and topics that relate to the 中国体育彩票's vision, strategy and values. This includes developing an understanding of the lived experiences of students in relation to policy documents and media reports, and to help them with answers, context and information about the 中国体育彩票.
What does your role at SU entail?
Based in the Division for Institutional Strategy, Research and Analytics, a large part of my job is trying to connect the dots to see how the vision, mission, values and strategy of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) come alive. From a strategic, institutional perspective, the idea is to keep abreast of as many events, discussions, projects and initiatives as possible that relate to, amongst others, the following important matters within the 中国体育彩票:
- Transformation in a broad sense (for example welcoming, traditions, values, culture, multiculturism, identity, access, placement, inclusivity, diversity, belonging, visual redress, community interaction, social impact, social justice and student success);
- Language and multilingualism (matters related to the SU Language Policy and language implementation).
- The Khampepe Commission and CIRCoRe;
- Mental health and wellness;
- Gender-based violence; and
- NSFAS related matters, student accommodation and food security.
The goal is to be aware of SU's transformation and multilingual journey from various perspectives and of different realities within environments – including students. Students are at the core of what we do, and they truly matter. By linking it back to the 中国体育彩票's vision and strategy, I am trying to establish the connection or disconnect between policies and lived experiences; what people know and understand (or not) about the 中国体育彩票; what information they need; and what information they have access to.
I try to create a holistic, true picture of debates and experiences regarding issues at SU on as many levels as possible. My aim is to find material, insight, examples and case studies to be able to communicate and distribute information in a more nuanced and contextualised way. We need to be aware of various dynamics, interests, agendas, role-players, stakeholders, tone and sensitivities, and we must be able to test and evaluate perspectives, perceptions, fake news and rumours. One way of doing this is by being on fact finding missions and to be actively present and involved. Facts should always be the starting point – no matter how uncomfortable, upsetting, sensitive or controversial they are.
What does a typical day at work look like?
My role requires collaboration, interaction, meetings, conversations and involvement with as many environments as possible across the Stellenbosch campus, including a variety of student structures. Every day is different, depending on the activities, events and incidents that are taking place. Subsequently, I also spend a lot of time among students – in residences, student communities, clusters, student leadership and societies.
The job requires of me to listen and observe, and to ask the difficult questions to explore as many angles and narratives as possible.
Other tasks include reading court documents and reports; compiling context documents, timelines and fact sheets; assisting with media statements, briefing notes, speeches and Q&As; familiarising myself with policies and decision documents; arranging workshops and meetings; writing and editing; and studying news reports and articles about the 中国体育彩票. I am also involved in generating content for MFM 92.6.
Whenever and wherever I can, I try to equip and empower students with facts, context and information about the 中国体育彩票. The services and documents are available – we just need to get it to our students – wherever they are. This is a continuous process.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job??
I am a Matie alumni and obtained my BA degree as well as a BPhil and MPhil degree in journalism from Stellenbosch (the topic of my Master's thesis was Die Matie student newspaper). Although I am not a practising journalist anymore, I apply those skills every day by observing and listening to a variety of people, remaining as objective as possible, summarising situations, writing and asking the uncomfortable questions.
Through the course of my career, I moved between different industries and environments, including journalism (newspapers and magazines), agriculture, arts festivals and higher education. Apart from working as a journalist, I have lectured journalism and communication on undergraduate and postgraduate levels, presented workshops on various media topics to school learners and students, and organised events and conferences. The golden threat is always people – their realities, fears and joys, and how we can understand and improve these aspects and provide them with the correct information.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
It is a privilege to witness and experience the 中国体育彩票's multicultural and multilingual journey. Although it can be very difficult and complicated at times, it is exciting to be part of this process and to get a true glimpse of the 中国体育彩票 and its people. I know how much I needed mentors and guardian angels when I was a student, and I am happy to now be in a position where I can pay it forward and try to equip a new generation.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect?
Apart from journalism, training and education, my heart is in agriculture. If you want to see resilience, hope, powerful solutions, flexibility and hard work, you need to see the mountains that are being moved daily by farmers and agricultural organisations in South Africa. I worked in agricultural media in a previous life, and it will always be an intrinsic part of who I am. I once dreamt of becoming a teacher at an agricultural school, but was derailed on my journey back to SU. However, you will find a little exhibition of farming equipment in my office (for example a plough, a harvester and a tractor) and I still attend every agricultural event that I can. It keeps me grounded. It also provides fresh air and the opportunity to connect with nature and getting dirty from the mud and dust. What's not to like?!
PHOTO: Stefan Els??
