adminHR Column Hector Moyo
Belongingness is the theme for today. Man, like all animals is gregarious in nature, meaning that belongingness is one of the key traits.
We are going to explore this trait with respect to belonging to professional bodies, mainly, but not before I self-indulge about my belonging to the Masiye clan, presently domiciled Enqameni (that place of greatness!), but with roots in Tswapong (Maritzburg?).
Does this make me a Zulu Boy? I shall one day commission the great researcher, Phathisa Nyathi, to put some flesh into my sketchy belongingness!
Two things immediately come to mind from the aforesaid- a recital about Enqameni by my nephew and spouse, during their recent wedding. You see, we were deep in the Gauteng Province (equally a place of greatness for nurturing our malukazana), a little outnumbered, and I decided to invoke some sense of belonging amongst us the groom family.
I purposely asked whether people present knew where we hail from, and the small contingent, yelled “Enqameni”. The groom put the icing on the cake when he said that the bride would finish off the recital.
Despite the fact that she has not yet been to Enqameni, she continued, in a sharp malukazana type voice, “that place of greatness!”
The hall reverberated with applause and excitement — a total sense of belonging had been created amongst the Masiyes/Mguni contingent. Thank you nephew and makoti — I bless you with many more happy years together.
The second memory invoked is of a discussion I had with a brother of mine during the same period, where he rightly observed that I have given ubaba uNyathi a bit more air play than any other person, in my articles. It has to be about his contribution to people’s belongingness (amongst other endeavours) — he is a front runner in this noble cause- great stuff, I say.
What are the benefits of belongingness in general?
From the opening remarks, a few benefits can be gleaned. A few more will be discussed as the pen continues oozing ink.
They say there is power in numbers, but I say there is more power in belonging. Although we were outnumbered deep down in Gauteng, the mere recital of us hailing from Enqameni gave a feeling of more than strength in numbers, but strength in belonging to a formidable team- ready to take away the bride!
Belongingness creates a sense of unity of purpose. You then want to achieve even more things, things that could not have been possible, without the belongingness factor.
In modern society, belongingness becomes a passport for acceptability, in general.
Belonging to Professional Bodies.
There was a time when I belonged to the Institute of Management Services (UK) – during the days I was pursuing my Work Study coveted (prestigious) certificate. Their services were next to none, and there were lots of current developments within the Institute, culminating in the publication of a magazine, was it every quarter?
It really felt good. I must rejoin that Institute — I have become the poorer (intellectually) by not renewing my membership for some time now.
You really do not want to have no backing (knowledge wise) in your chosen career. Belong to this and that Institute, and you renew your knowledge base, and recognition as a professional.
There are huge benefits accruing from this belongingness. Some employers prefer would-be employees to belong to a professional Institute.
I recall a colleague who argued his point by saying “his” Institute would not appreciate him being associated with un-professional acts — and he was heard for what he meant!
The point there is also the fact that professional bodies are regulatory in their nature, they have standards to maintain. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a certain manner, acceptable to the Institute. A serious departure would result in suspension or striking off the register.
Why today’s article.
The reasons are many dear readers. When we grew up, certain professions were more of a calling than a mere job.
What comes to mind are professions such a nursing and teaching, all emanating from the unwritten codes (or were they written?), of people like Florence Nightingale and the likes of Booker T Washington. They set very high standards, indeed.
I see standards falling all around us. Some spouses no longer adhere to marriage vows, professionals no longer behave like ones, et cetera.
Some of the younger generations do not even know about the existence of these professional bodies, let alone what they stand for and the benefits. The time for revivals and outreaches, is here and now nigh. Call this article, my contribution to this discourse.
IPMZ
As a Human Resources Practitioner, I have chosen to belong to this Institute. Follow me one of these days, and you will find me putting on that coveted cardigan I got at last year’s annual convention.
You should see how onlookers look at me rather enviously, whenever I spot that piece of cloth showing my professional belongingness.
Talk about IPMZ (Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe), and I suddenly recall that this year’s convention is around the corner, at the Victoria Falls.
The prayer line I do not forget to make these days is, Lord keep me in good health so that I can attend this always brilliant convention. The additional prayer becomes, Lord talk to my employer and make him understand (as always), the power of employees belonging to professional bodies, lest there is serious in-breeding of ideas in the company. Sharing with outsiders becomes the key to improved performance.
Oh, I did not break the news, or did I? The great news reaching Matabeleland is that I was recently elected as a member of the Executive Committee for the Matabeleland Branch of IPMZ.
It is going to be a mutually beneficial association, is all I can say. I indeed look forward to great things- they say the pen is mightier than the sword, do they not?
Take home this week?
Belong to your family first and everything else shall be added. Strive for the benefit of your family members, including the extended family, and you will be extending your belongingness.
When you then embark on belonging to the bigger national family and professional Institutes, you will then be having a sound footing.
I therefore unreservedly say once more, phambili nge Masiye clan, phambili nge Gwakwe, eyisiqinti se Nqameni, and forward with belonging to professional bodies. All roads should lead to the Victoria Falls in a few weeks to come.
Let me continue working hard and impressing my employer, ahead of the convention- they say there is “nothing for mahala” on this mother earth!
I therefore rest my case at this juncture. Send your views to e-mail address hecandbe@ gmail.com or sms 0777556081.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu