Careers Service wins big at SAGEA Awards

The University of Cape Townʼs (UCT) Careers Service has cemented its reputation as a leader in its field, winning three categories at the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Awards on Wednesday, 6 November.

The awards event, hosted at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark, celebrates the achievements of South Africaʼs leading graduate employers. Careers Service, in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), was announced as the winner – for the 10th consecutive year – of the “Best Career Service” title. They also emerged victorious in the “Best Career Fair” and “Best Employer Relations Individual” categories.

The “Best Career Fair” and “Best Career Service” awards honour a university careers service that has demonstrated, through various work readiness initiatives, that it is preparing students for a smooth transition to the world of work.

“It is evident that the UCT Careers Service is doing a lot of things right,” said Nawaal Boolay, acting director.

Award winner

She lauded Hishamodien Hoosain, who was named as the inaugural co-recipient of SAGEA’s “Best Employer Relations Individual” award. He shared the honour with Nazrana Parker, from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

This new award recognises a university careers service individual who has demonstrated efficient and superior service through the work they have done liaising and partnering with employers.

“I’m looking forward to working even [more closely] with employers in 2020 to strengthen their employer brands at UCT.”

Hoosain said he felt incredibly grateful for the accolade.

“Thank you to all the employers who nominated me and to everyone who voted for me. I’m looking forward to working even [more closely] with employers in 2020 to strengthen their employer brands at UCT.”

It is evident, in light of these achievements, that the UCT Careers Service sets the benchmark for best practice among the 26 higher education institutions in South Africa, said Boolay.

“I am humbled by working with such an amazing team. This is a true testament of the dedication and passion that drives this phenomenal Careers Service team.”

All 2019 finalists at the SAGEA Employer Awards were determined via the SAGEA Candidate Insights Survey, conducted by High Fliers Research Ltd, a specialist student and graduate research company.