AcademicLeadership

Professor Chandru Kistan, the present Rector/Principal of Berea College of Technology was the former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Acting Registrar at the University of Durban Westville. He held the title of Director of Quality Assurance and Promotion at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Prof. Kistan received his PhD from the University of KwaZulu Natal and his Masters of Education from the University of South Africa. He also received sponsorship to attend short courses at Penn State University and Twente University in the Netherlands. He presented research papers at numerous international and national conferences. He retired as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the University of Zululand.

Presently he is the Chairperson of the Verulam Regional Hospice and Vice President of the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha. Prof. Kistan is a widower, with two professional daughters. He enjoys travelling and swimming and is passionate about community development.

Connect with Prof. Kistan on LinkedIn or email him on kistanc@bereatech.co.za

Sagran Reddy holds the posts of Academic Head of Berea Technical College and Head of Department for Engineering Studies. Sagran is a distinguished academic with an intrinsic talent for Mathematics, Science and Technology.

His education background spans over two decades in South Africa, Australia and Japan, where he has worked in both the higher education university environment and TVET sector. His strong skills in leadership, customer relations and his contribution to the impressive pass rates at the college, led to his promotion to Head of Engineering Studies. He continues to excel in programme development and delivery and together with his strength in data analytics manages student performance and ensures a financially healthy department.

Sagran has spent the last 28 years training his spirit, mind and body through Sukyo Mahikari, a spiritual organisation of Japanese origin. Together with his wife Niressa and two daughters, Ariana (7) and Saskia (5) they lead a balanced lifestyle using the fundamental teachings of gratitude and humility.

Connect with Sagran on LinkedIn or email him on sagranr@bereatech.co.za

Anesh Hajari currently holds the portfolio of Head of Faculty (General Studies) for Berea Technical College, having served as Chief Operating Officer at the College in 2011. Passionate about education and student development, Anesh has dedicated his career to the education industry, with an impressive track record within the Higher and Further Education and Training frameworks within South Africa. In 2017, Anesh was instrumental in setting up a new faculty at Berea Technical College, which currently offers ten new qualifications, boasting a student population of over 960 learners.

His previous resume includes Senior Lecturer at Durban University of Technology (DUT), Head of Department at Varsity College (School of Business and Technology), General Manager at Milpark Business School and Rector at Edinvest Education. He holds a BCom Degree from the University of South Africa.

In his free time, Anesh enjoys family time with his wife, Reshmee, and his 14-year daughter, Tia.

Connect with Anesh on email: Aneshh@bereatech.co.za

Pretty Zondo joined Berea Technical College in 2007 as a marketing assistant, and in 2008 was promoted to the Academic Department as a Business Studies lecturer. In 2012 she was tasked as Head of the Business Studies unit. Pretty is a marketing enthusiast, who uses her innate skills as a mother to ensure that the well-being of the students is a top priority. She also ensures that student activities, from graduations to sports days are planned to perfection – promoting a vibrant campus life. Teaching and Learning are two of her niche specialisations and she works diligently to achieve high pass rates. Her education background includes an Honours degree in Education and a BTech in Marketing. She is also a registered member of SACE and a certified facilitator, assessor and moderator.

Previously Pretty worked as a Marketing Research Officer at Eskom for three years and taught in a school for five years. She is married to Jerome and is a proud mum of two children, ages 23 and 14.

Connect with Pretty on email: prettyz@bereatech.co.za

Deepchand Ori is currently the Principal of Berea Matric School and works closely with the General Manager to provide matric rewrite solutions and a selection of vocational courses. Tasked with this critical role, he has been instrumental in creating a learner-focused classroom environment, with the benefits of a college lifestyle. His vision for the School is to bring a disciplined approach to learning while creating a culture of academic excellence.

Mr Ori began his career in 1975, and during his 42-year tenure managed the full school environment, having served as a teacher and then principal for most of these years. His track record of academic excellence includes his involvement in school academic plans, evaluations, curriculums, learner-study guides and staff development programmes. He is passionate about education for community development and was actively involved in various committees.

He is married to Salochana and they have two sons, Kavith and Koyal. He is a passionate peace facilitator, dog lover and enjoys reading and gardening.

Connect with him on email: principal@dcccampus.az.ca

Shameen Jugdev joined Berea Technical College in 2000 as an administration officer. Due to her high level of skills, she quickly moved up the ranks, and in 2004 was promoted to Examinations & Admissions Manager. Shameen works closely with the Group Chief Academic Officer on all examination processes and interacts regularly with the different education authorities. She has extensive experience in Management and Administration with over 19 years of experience in the private TVET education sector. Shameen holds a National Diploma in Business Management; is a registered constituent Assessor and Moderator (ETDP SETA), and has various certificates as part of her professional accolades.

Before joining Berea Technical College, Shameen worked as an Accounts Clerk at a Financial Services company for three years.

Shameen is an enthusiastic and innovative woman who believes in work-family balance. She is married to Mukesh and they have three children, a set of twins aged 16 and a 14 year-old daughter.

Connect with Shameen on LinkedIn or email her on sjugdev@bereatech.co.za

Rochelle Naidoo joined Berea Technical College as a Personal Assistant in 2004 and within a year was promoted to executive secretary of the Board of Directors. Due to her insatiable eye for detail and her passion for quality, in 2005, she was awarded the opportunity to join the quality team and was instrumental in the college achieving its first ISO 9001 certification. Her motivation for success culminated in her being promoted to Group Quality Manager in 2007.

Before joining Berea Technical College, Rochelle worked as a Buyer at an Import and Export company for six years. Her educational background includes a National Diploma in Business Management, a certificate in Total Quality Management and she completed the written examination for Internal and Supplier Auditor Training, as well as Lead Auditor Training.

Rochelle is married to Ronnie and is a proud mum of two daughters, ages 14 and 7. Rochelle is rooted in her Christian values and enjoys travelling and exploring new places.

Connect with Rochelle on LinkedIn or email her on n.naidoo@bereatech.co.za

Vijay Gangadaran joined Berea Technical College in 2018 on a contract basis as a work readiness facilitator. In January 2019 she was appointed as Student Support Services Manager. With over 18 years’ experience in recruitment, training and development and HR, Vijay is dedicated to ensuring that students are exposed to the corporate environment during their studies to ensure an easy transition into work life. Vijay is passionate about work readiness and believes a work-ready student is an attractive offering to organisations that are invested in work-integrated learning and internship opportunities.

Vijay holds a Diploma in Human Resources and Labour Law and completed courses in Targeted Selection Interview Methods, Thomas International profiling and various other leadership and HR courses.

Vijay is actively involved in volunteering in the field of education and training within the community and is relentless about reducing unemployment in the country. Vijay has two children, a son in the IT field and a daughter, currently completing Grade 6.

Connect with Vijay on LinkedIn or email her on Vijayg@bereatech.co.za