Shihaam Benjamin

Kha Ri Gude (Tshivenda for 'let us learn') teaches adults who missed out on their schooling and who cannot read or write, in literacy classes. Kha Ri Gude delivers across all nine provinces. The campaign enables adult learners to read, write and calculate in their mother tongue in line with the Unit Standards for Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) Level One, and also to learn spoken English. My duty was to host these classes with a few selected people, deliver the information provided by the Department of education and have them complete questionnaire and then in turn submit the questionnaire to the Department. This was done on a part time basis and was only for the period of 6 months.

I was employed to work for two departments, Evaluation & Research and Training & Education Services Department. Petty cash management for 5 departments. Liaising with Head office regarding invoices and accounts and forwarding these to the Finance Department for payment. Obtaining quotes for equipment and maintenance, facilitating acquiring of items and payment of equipment and maintenance. Stock control of stationery as well as books for the Training & Education Services Department. Maintaining an asset register of office equipment. Liaising with the landlord regarding maintenance issues. Acquiring quotations from various suppliers. Data capturing of evaluation feedback questionnaires and conducting telephonic interviews for the Evaluation and Research Department. Tracking of payments and invoices of local schools, ordering manuals and issuing quotes. Co-ordination of training workshops, setting up of venues, providing tea and lunch for candidates. Issuing invoices and receipts for Training and Education Services Department. Keeping a database of schools trained for all provinces up to date for Training department. Supervising the General Secretary and Office Cleaner positions and delegating work as required. Do performance appraisals with them and review work done by General Secretary and ensure that company format policies are followed. Co-ordination of general office meetings. Chairing these office meetings. Minute taking. Co-coordinating office events e.g. birthdays, memorial days, outings etc. General Secretary support e.g. switchboard relieving. Making sure that the attendance register is completed by all staff.

Supervising the Receptionist. Typing and sending emails on behalf of the Chief Executive. Controlling collections and deliveries, opening and sorting mail, preparing mail for postage. Filing, sending faxes, making appointments. Liaising with suppliers as well as customers. Travelling with the CEO to various provinces for minute taking at their various AGM's. Co-ordination of meetings, assisting with Project Management tasks. Booking flights making accommodation bookings. Maintaining an information resource of internal and external documentation. Managing a storeroom at the National Headquarters by supplying 8 National branches with stock from our stores (badges, books etc.). Sending proposals drafted by the CEO to various companies for funding. Liaising with potential funders.

Switchboard Operator as well as Frontline Receptionist. Typing and filing correspondence. Doing Loans and Surrenders of policies for customers in the back office. I was employed on a Contract basis at the time and was given the opportunity to work at Head Office for approximately a month as they needed assistance in the Methealth Department assessing Medical Aid claims and referring them to the correspondence clerks for processing thereof.