MEDIATION | EDUCATION | TRANSITION
Shahieda Hendricks -
CPUT, Learning & Development Manager
Michelene Benson served as the lead consultant on the Leadership Capacity Development Programme in which CPUT HoDs participated in a six-month training programme from March to August 2021. The programme included capacity-building workshops, masterclasses as well as individual coaching sessions for the delegates. Michelene provided online training during the capacity development sessions, conducted individual coaching sessions and coordinated the programme. The ETDP SETA partnered with CPUT in this venture and Michelene played an invaluable role given her organisational development ETD expertise and accreditations.
She provided excellent reporting which met the stringent SETA quality assurance standards throughout the programme. CPUT staff were assured of the efficient administration and management of the various components of the programme despite the challenges presented by online training during pandemic restrictions and interruptions. Michelene provided excellence in all aspects of this programme and contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
Her commitment and professional manner in which she covered all aspects of the program through very challenging times contributed greatly to the quality of the programme. The well-structured and meticulous arrangements encouraged everyone to remain focused and enthusiastic.
It was a pleasure to work with Michelene and wish her total bliss and triumph in all her endeavours.
Shahieda Hendricks, CPUT’s Manager: Learning and Development in the Human Capital Division and Deputy Chair of the HERS-SA Board
Ecclesia De Lange - Director
Inclusive and Affirming Ministries
In the Schools Out Project, Michelene demonstrated her profound professional ability to keep our regional network (8 African countries) committed to a 3-day hybrid (due to COVID-19) conference process with intentional activities and attention to detail(s) and outcome. This resulted into a super productive engagement with profound results. Her commitment to follow-up and assistance to the network was admirable.
I most enjoy the professional and fun way in which she engages with people from all contexts.
Michelene is a super soundboard and adviser when it comes to analysing systems and processes.
Michelle Boonzaaier - Programs Manager
Inclusive and Affirming Ministries
Michelene's engagement with IAM's regional network partners was a lifegiving process that took into account where people found themselves at the end of 2021 without compromising on the values and quality of the people and work. She facilitated a hybrid process (in-person and online) with eight partner countries, eight co-facilitators and an in-country group in each of these spaces with grace and skill. We have learnt so much from this process and everything that followed. Michelene brings all of herself to a process and adds unexpected value that was never even linked to outcomes. She invites people to join her in a very embodied and soulful way.
Resolve and Change Systems
As we continue to embrace women's month, today we're honouring Michelene Benson, RACS Senior Consultant: Learning & Development.
There are many positive adjectives we can use to describe Michelene: passionate, courageous, and expressive. But what stands out most is her bold voice. A refreshing voice that is daring and challenges the status quo with confidence and clarity.
Michelene has almost 30 years of experience across various disciplines and is highly skilled in conflict resolution, training and development, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Thank you for inspiring us to take up space and let our voices be heard!
#WomensMonth #WomenOfRACS #TheBoldVoice
Jennifer More - Director, RecruitAgri
During the Leadership and Management Training, her work was interactive and all inclusive. She keeps the audience awake, involved and responsive. I value her professionalism, feedback after the session and a commitment to evolving with RecruitAgri and growing with us. I enjoyed her professionalism and her ability to create a working example of what the graduates will face on the farms and facilitating it. She has been an inspiration to us all. The most significant impact Michelene has had on our organisation is the understanding of her audience and her communication with the team and graduates.
Lucille Meyer - CEO, Chrysalis Academy
Ms Benson has provided facilitation services to the young people who participate in our residential programmes at the Chrysalis Academy. She was able to form a report with the learners in a short period of time. Many of these learners are highly traumatised and come from very challenging life circumstances. Despite the large classes and psychological circumstances of the learners, Ms Benson was able to create a pleasant and safe learning environment. After the programme learners approached me as the CEO to share the praise and gratitude Ms Benson as a facilitator and mentor.
Her work is of a high standard and she was able to accomplish more than what was required in the programme. Ms Benson is a highly organised facilitator and her administration and report writing is of the highest standard. She is well-known in the training and development field for her powerful and dynamic presentation style.