Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida graduated from Wits University this week, but her special day was marred by controversy with social media users accusing the university of giving the beauty queen preferential treatment.
Shudufhadzo joined scores of Wits students for their online graduation on Tuesday. She obtained her honours degree in international relations.
“After my virtual graduation, I had an interview opportunity with VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi and of course I went in my grad attire. This pandemic has led to trying times and uncertainty for everyone. To all students who had to persevere even in the least ideal times… phambiliCongratulations to the class of 2020,” she wrote.
This sparked the conversation on Kaya Drive with Sizwe this Wednesday:
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Kaya Drive listeners also weighed in on the matter of preferential treatment and the team did admit that they are all subjected to preferential treatment being in the media industry.
How to manage the workplace
Issues of special treatment in the workplace shouldn’t be taken lightly, because accusations can become a serious matter due to ethnicity or if an employee is being treated better due to an exchange of sexual favours.
Companies should have an effective HR department with objective evaluation methods in place to see out the correct procedures with regards to preferential treatment early.
Tips for dealing with preferential treatment
- Implement objective measures for issuing promotions or increases that are assessed based on performance numbers.
- Communicate these criteria with staff, so everyone is in the loop about how the decisions were made.
- Aim for an open-door policy with staff when it comes to complaints and criticism.
- Try to understand a disgruntled employee’s perspective.
- Ask for suggestions on how you can achieve a more equitable workplace environment.
Also read: Wits accused of giving Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida preferential treatment
