In alignment with the University of Namibia (UNAM) mission, the Southern Campus in Keetmanshoop has initiated a programme to intensify and embed the institution’s core values in every facet of the campus experience. These core values – Professionalism, Integrity, Equity, and Accountability – stand as pillars that guide the University’s code of conduct, ethical benchmarks, interactions and decision-making processes.
The Campus ‘values programme’ was inaugurated on 06 September 2023. Dr Seth Eiseb, Campus Director of the Southern Campus, initiated the proceedings, setting the tone for the importance of this programme. Further emphasising the role of core values in the success of any institution, Mr Lekuka More, Senior Director at Becker Bergh and More Attorneys from Northern Cape Province, South Africa, elaborated on each UNAM value, supplementing his address with pertinent examples.
Ms Errolleen Poulton, the Campus Administrator, highlighted a unique gesture to enhance the visibility of these values – staff members received t-shirts adorned with the values printed on the back, serving as a wearable testament to their commitment. She elaborated, “During the event, staff members were divided into groups, each dedicated to one core value. These groups dissected the meaning and significance of their assigned value and presented their insights to their colleagues. This exercise was complemented by team building activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the staff.”
Further initiatives in the pipeline include a core values pledge for staff members and strategic placements of these values throughout the campus, ensuring they resonate at every corner. Ms Poulton added, “We plan to spotlight a specific value each month, supplemented by relevant activities. Our objective remains unwavering – to continuously underscore the importance of our core values, ensuring they are deeply woven into our service delivery, especially to our most treasured stakeholders, our students.”
The staff’s enthusiasm was profound, both about the event and their new t-shirts. They recognised and embraced the commitment as a journey, not a destination.
