A day at the office...


PA of the Year 2007, Nicolette Jasper shares her day at her office with us.


6 06:00: 07:00: 07:30: 08:00: 16 issue 2 • careersuccess I arrive at Gidani House (the offices of the


Operator of the National Lottery, Gidani) bright and early every day when there is hardly anyone around. The main reason for the early start is to avoid the traffic between Centurion and Midrand but over the years I have come to appreciate the value of this “bonus time” without phones ringing.


Early morning, I attend to my own and my Chief, Prof Bongani Khumalo’s emails that may have arrived during the course of the evening, of course with a cappuccino in hand. Often, my Boss has already sent instructions about what to do with some of the requests via his Blackberry – isn’t technology wonderful! During this time I work through my “to do list” and plan for the day.


I receive a telephone call from my Chief to check


in. We have a talk about the day that lies ahead and any arrangements we agreed the previous day that may need changing. I update my “to do list” if necessary. I brief the Office Assistant, Susan Masango, about meeting requirements for the day to ensure that all meetings are professionally catered for. Prof Khumalo’s office is unlocked and set-up for the day.


Prof Khumalo arrives at the office and I greet him


with a cup of coffee in hand. Our relationship is of such a nature that we have a general chat and we enquire about each others families. We both take a few minutes to read the newspapers (Prof in printed format and me online!). We are both of the view that one needs to be up to speed with current events.


Meetings kick off very early. I make sure that


Prof Khumalo has all relevant documentation / information for his meetings. Catering checked, I meet and greet our guest/s and escort them to the venue. I offer refreshments to the guests to make them feel welcome. Meetings usually take between 45 minutes to an hour.


We allow for half an hour between meetings in order for Prof Khumalo to gather his thoughts and to prepare for the next one. I do not usually attend these meetings but while the meeting is underway, I attend to my “to do list”, emails, answer the phone, draft reports


and correspondence. During this time most of my colleagues start arriving for the day. After the meeting, Prof Khumalo gives me a brief outline of discussions and actions required. These get added to my “to do list”.


Days are extremely diverse in the National Lottery environment, which ensures variety and excitement even though I have worked in this industry for more than twelve (12) years.


As Chairman and Chief Executive of Gidani, my boss has many stakeholders – the Board, our Regulator, the Executive Committee, Retailers, Players, Winners, Employees, Suppliers, the Media, Captains of Commerce and Industry, Government and in some instances individuals wanting to enquire about funding and / or business opportunities. It is imperative for me to prioritise Prof Khumalo’s time to ensure that no stakeholder is left unattended - even if our office makes the initial contact or response and then delegates to a suitable person within the company. Communication with my boss is essential in this regard.


Travel arrangements are made to ensure the most effective and efficient use of time. Travel arrangements involve flights, car rental, accommodation, itineraries, visas, foreign currency and insurance for international travel. Any misstep could have a rippling effect.


10:00: My boss and I have a recurring meeting scheduled


for this time every day. If he is in the office, we sit down and discuss calls to return, e-mail requests, correspondence and reports received. We also use this time for signing of letters, resolutions, purchase requisitions, leave forms and other documents. As the last point of approval, I need to ensure that all documents requiring signature are checked for accuracy and completeness before landing on my boss’ desk.


12:00: If my boss has a lunch meeting we either cater


for lunch in the office or he goes out to a restaurant. I have to ensure that the chosen venue caters adequately for his vegan dietary requirements. If not, I prepare and serve lunch in the office. I usually have a quick snack at my desk.


Continued on page 18


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