NUST Library Staff Bond at Hillside Dams in Wellness and Team-Building Exercise
Bulawayo – 9 August 2025
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Library staff took a meaningful break from their regular academic duties on Thursday the 7th and Friday the 8th of August 2025, as they participated in a dynamic Staff Wellness and Team-Building exercise held at the scenic Hillside Dams Conservancy in Bulawayo.
Spearheaded by the Acting University Librarian, Mrs C. Ncube, the initiative was designed to foster collaboration, improve communication, and strengthen staff morale. The full-day event saw enthusiastic participation from library personnel in a variety of engaging activities that included a tug of war, egg race, sack race, and an intellectually stimulating quiz challenge.
Facilitated by Engineer A. N. Mnkandla, Manager of the NUST Bulawayo Technology Centre, the programme successfully blended fun with purpose, offering staff an opportunity to engage with one another outside the typical work environment. This relaxed setting encouraged the development of stronger interpersonal relationships and reinforced a sense of community and collective purpose, elements that are critical for the delivery of exceptional service within the library and beyond.
“It’s very important for people to interact outside the workplace,” said Eng. Mnkandla. “It builds relationships and understanding of each other, how someone behaves, how they communicate, and how they work. At the office, interaction is often limited, with people spending the day behind closed doors. This kind of event allows us to talk, laugh, and connect. The exercises were also designed to reflect work-related skills. For example, the balloon relay symbolised the transmission of important information, while the tug of war demonstrated the value of pulling together in one direction, understanding each other’s strengths, and supporting one another. Even the short sprints were about enjoying the day as a team. When we understand each other better, our work becomes more effective.”
Mrs. Ncube shared her motivation for hosting the programme, expressing that it was a huge success beyond her expectations.
“My main purpose was to strengthen relationships among library staff members. We have staff working in different branches, and yet we are all part of one big department. I wanted to create a platform for communication, teamwork, and trust, where colleagues can depend on each other and feel connected. The activities encouraged trust, teamwork, and open communication, and I believe the day was a success in bringing us closer together.”
One of the most anticipated parts of the day was the awarding of prizes. Mr. Gracious Sibelo was crowned Best Sack Race (Men), while Mrs. Kumbirai Chiyoko claimed the title of Best Sack Race (Women). The Overall Best Team award went to Team Conquerors, who impressed with their cohesion, determination, and teamwork spirit.
The team-building event concluded with a University-wide Wellness afternoon organised by the Catering Department in partnership with the Training and Staff Development Section of the university. Staff enjoyed a lively programme featuring a braai, sporting events, games, and music, attended by employees from across departments, including members of the University Senate.
The highlight of the afternoon was a spirited soccer match between the university’s Administration staff and a combined team from the Public and Physical Works and Estates Departments. In a close and hard-fought contest, the Physical Planning, Works and Estates team edged to victory with a narrow 1–0 scoreline, sending their supporters into loud celebration. The game, marked by bursts of skill, near misses, and plenty of good-humoured rivalry, drew one of the largest crowds of the day and perfectly embodied the unity and friendly competition that the wellness event aimed to foster.
The fun-filled afternoon served as a vibrant start to the long holiday weekend in commemoration of Heroes and Defence Forces Days on the 11th and 12th of August.
With such initiatives, NUST continues to demonstrate that the health, morale, and unity of its staff are not only valued but actively prioritised, an approach that reflects the institution’s vision of holistic excellence.
