The Journey Was Long But 'Gentle'

We bid farewell to a workaholic manager, Edward Shozi, the Deputy Director for Immovable Asset Management from Midlands Region. He joined the KZN Public Works on 1 July 2006 and leaves at the end of the month. Shozi joins the National Department of Public Works as Director for Property Management as of 2 January 2018. He will be based at the Regional Offices in Durban.

Most of his colleagues and peers from Midlands Regional Office and other parts of the Department and the Province will share the feeling of finding it quite difficult to say ‘goodbye’ to someone like him. He has been less of a colleague and more of a friend and for those who were close to him; the joys of working direct with him will end.

Monthly targets and performance appraisals will come and go, but working with a person of Mr Shozi’s calibre will stay in peoples’ hearts forever. He has been living a courageous life that embraced commitment, faithfulness, firmness with prudence, diligence, passion and a sense of humour.

One should mention a few highlights and achievements during his career path. Shozi received the Regional Director’s Award as ‘Best Performing Official ‘at a prestigious event hosted by the Amajuba District on 1 December 2016. (Website: “#MidlandsBest: Regional Director Hadebe honoured employees for faithful service”.)

Achievements or awards include Best Performing Region in 2008, Most Valuable Member of Real Estate in 2008, Best Performing Region in Property Management in 2010, Best Performing Region in Property Management in 2011, Most Improved Region for Hiring in 2012, Most Cooperative Region in 2012, Best Performing Component of the financial Year 2013/14 (Regional Director’s recognition award), Best Performing Component for the Region in 2015 and Best Performing Component for the Region in 2016. Some of the accolades mentioned here above have been achieved within a short period of time displaying his turnaround service delivery strategy.

During the interview, Shozi expressed how he would miss his team. He has been an inspirational manager, with an establishment of 15 officials under his leadership and supervision. He was so inspirational that he would often change the manner in which colleagues think and feel about themselves so that they have the need to take positive actions. This ultimately taps into peoples’ values and desires.

Shozi directly and indirectly possessed the excellent qualities that could make him an outstanding employee, such as strong systematic and organisational abilities, positive attitude, self-motivation, integrity, work ethics, and detailed oriented, good listener, adapting to situations, meeting expectations and being a good communicator. To sum up on his work performance, he would at most be willing to do the work, and not only doing it, but doing it right with efficiency, such as showing up on time, and getting the job done on time in order to produce quality results.

“I have since my tenure, to date, groomed many employees within the sector,” said Shozi. “I have produced Deputy Directors. One is now with the Department of Education while the other is with the Office of the Auditor-General, both based in Durban.”

The team he leaves at Immovable Asset Management Unit are Vusi Ngcobo, Terrence Ndlovu, Thetele Matloko and Fitwell Hlatshwayo, all at the level of Assistant Director. “I am confident that one of them will take over the reins.”

“It is important to relate to the emotions of people and try to figure out what they want and what path they are to follow. You must understand how things are working rather than imposing your methodologies on subordinates.”

It is normal that there are differences and diversities in any work setting. Shozi’s reputation, character and behaviour would inspire people more than anything else would. Therefore, the only way to call the best out of others is to expect the best from yourself. “I must say that Mr Hadebe has been a pillar of strength for me through the years.”

“I believe he is also saddened by my departure, but I must confirm that I have learnt a lot from his management style. He has been a father, leader and friend to me,” he continued.

“Allow me also to congratulate Mrs Sindi Linda, my DDG, who treated us all the same within her component, despite colour or creed. She was just like a mother to me,” confirmed Shozi.

As the conversation continued, there was a very lively and wise expression in his eyes but most discernible was the deep peace they transmitted when he spoke.

By nature, Shozi is a man full of character. In his expressions, one could see the marks of that life, as his whole body seemed to talk with peace and wisdom. Moreover, he is the life and soul of a team, which makes him extremely sociable.


Bidding Farewell: Mr Fitwell Hlatshwayo, ASD Acquisition (left) with Mr PEM Shozi, Deputy Director Immovable Asset Management both from Midlands Region

During a photo shoot session, Mr Phakamisani Fitwell Hlatshwayo, the ASD for Acquisition managed to bid farewell to Shozi, “What I have noticed about him is that he has got all what it takes to be a Manager and Supervisor, he has got drive and ability which I believe he inherited from the Regional Director, Hadebe and other former supervisors and he was able to pass them on to us. I have learnt a lot from him. His management style of an open door policy, open heart and mind, which we all adopted as his supervisees. He is a good delegator with trust that helped us to grow to be where we are today. God gave him the talents and which he appreciated and put into practice, in which we have gained a lot, on that note we wish him success in his journey.”

Shozi, a Libran, was born and bred in Umlazi. After his early childhood and school days they moved to settle in Inanda and lastly in Ntuzuma. It is Cowies Hill in Pinetown where he now feels comfortably settled with his beloved family. The promotion did not come by surprise but it was long awaiting him.

“Let me express my gratitude to all my colleagues at Head Office and all the Regions to whom I have closely worked with, trying to fix all Immovable Asset Management challenges in the department and the entire management for support,” he whispered. Finally, he conveyed his exclusive message to his ‘angels’ within the Immovable Asset Management of the Region, the Regional MANCO and officials for being so humble with him.”

“I have truly learnt a lot from you guys and this Department and would salute you wherever I go” said Mr Shozi. His journey at Public Works was indeed long but gentle.

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