From Brits in the North West Province to the halls of academia at the North-West University, Matomela Reatlegile is redefining what it means to study Human Resource Management. A proud Golden Key Society member and Dean’s List achiever, Reatlegile is currently completing her Master of Administration in Human Resource Management, driven by curiosity about how HR strategies can transform education.

Her research, “Exploring educators’ perspectives on awareness, implementation and enhancement of the Employee Value Proposition (EVP),” dives into how schools can better support, retain, and motivate teachers through thoughtful HR practices. With resilience, faith, and a passion for people at the heart of her journey, Matomela’s story reminds us that impactful research doesn’t just start in the workplace; it starts in the classroom.

Let’s get to know you a bit. Can you tell us about yourself, where you’re from, what you’re studying at NWU, and what inspired your passion for Human Resource Management?

My name is Matomela Reatlegile, a humble 26-year-old from Brits, North-West Province in South Africa (good character, funny, compassionate, kind and resilient person.. common keywords people who know me normally use when describing me). I am such a happy person who is always ready for growth & learning. A big minimalist as well. A proud member of the Golden Key Society, who has previously made it to the Academic Dean's List within the Faculty of Economic Management and Science. I am currently completing my Master of Administration in Human Resource Management. The fact that Human Resource Management is broad and beyond “hiring and firing” as most people define it. I have always wanted to dive into the side of Human Resource Management that exists, however, not commonly explored and ironically implemented/practised in various departments/organisations.

What motivated you to pursue your postgraduate studies at the North-West University? How has the university shaped your academic or professional journey so far?

 The support that the institution offers indeed motivated me to pursue my postgraduate studies.. A first-year me wouldn’t understand the NWU Slogan “it all starts here”, the Master's me can definitely tell a story about how it all started. 

Your master’s research focuses on an interesting intersection between Human Resource Management and Education. Could you tell us what inspired the topic “Exploring educators’ perspectives on awareness, implementation and enhancement of the Employee Value Proposition”? 

Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a Human Resource (HR) strategy that contains the following elements: Compensation, Benefits, Work-Life Balance, Career Development and Work Culture. In all honesty, all the profit-organisations / organisations that have “employees” are implementing Employee Value Proposition, and the truth is, most employees (who are far from HR) are not aware of the term Employee Value Proposition. So, the question that I personally had was “are other fields/organisations aware that they are implementing a Human Resource Strategy? Are they even implementing the strategy well? Because the simple way that I define the term is: It is what the employees do for the organisation in exchange for what the organisation give their employees. Employees provide the organisation with their skills/experience and you name it, while the organisation compensate employees, provides workshops and many more things (differ from company to company).

So, I went with Education because, for each and every one of us, before we could even start applying for work, we all went to school. I saw the pivotal part of fixing the root of success by bridging Human Resource Management with Education. One might say “Rea, we mostly heading toward employment now, why Education?” – and I say “Yes, we are heading there, however there is someone out-there who is about to start Grade 1, some they still in school/ theres an employee who just began their journey as an educator out-there… and there might be departments out-there that are still implementing EVP strategies those that were drafted years back, and now they need to be amended with the current evolution/generation and this study is for them” 

The concept of Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is often associated with corporate environments. What made you want to explore it within the education sector, specifically among educators? 

There's a saying that educators tend to mention quite a lot: “Teaching is the mother of all professions” So, with my focus being on educators, my intention is to have the strategy effectively implemented within them. Whereas the positive outcome will not only benefit educators but benefit the learners. If the learners and educators work well together, imagine the good results that could come out of it. Now, those learners will obtain better results that can qualify them to pursue scarce programmes in universities. 

What have you discovered so far in your research? Are there any findings or insights that stood out to you? 

Insights that stood out to me are my participants relating to my study, and some learning that they have been practising Employee Value Proposition without being aware that it is “Employee Value Proposition”. 

How do you think a strong EVP could positively influence teacher motivation, retention, and well-being in South African schools? 

A strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) can play a vital role in improving teacher motivation, retention, and well-being in South African schools. When teachers feel genuinely appreciated and supported through the elements of EVP, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their work. Through promoting a healthy work environment that supports mental health and work-life balance, schools can help educators feel valued and fulfilled, which leads to better classroom engagement and stronger learner outcomes. 

Postgraduate research can be a rewarding yet demanding journey. What challenges have you faced along the way, and what has kept you motivated?

Yooh, it has been a crazy journey, and 2024 threw hands at me with challenges, as for 2025, it has been just hard work and progress. I have seen myself breaking down from the NWU Library (mind you, I am not the kind to cry in a public space). I have seen myself wanting to quit; just pack my bags and leave.

I have seen myself receiving good news from the progress of my study chapters, but I couldn’t celebrate it. However, what kept me going is Prayer and people in the NWU Library, specifically in the Master's and Doctoral side of the Library. (Prayer because God said; You may not understand what I am doing now, but later you will – John 13: 7 ) and (Candidates in the Master's & Doctoral Library side, who would come every day and work, seeing my fellow mates pushing work, and understanding that they also were going through a similar path as mine, as well kept me going). 

Who or what has been a source of inspiration or support during your studies at NWU? 

Inspiration: It is my younger self, who once wrote a letter to God, that “…I want to be a Dr.” Mmasusu Tlhapane (the mother who encouraged me to apply with NWU after completing my matric, my best friend (Dr Kgomotso Thipe – MbCHB), Mogodiseng Family, Mrs Lerato Wana, Faculty of Economic Management of Science and School of Organisational-Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management.

Beyond your academic achievements, how has NWU contributed to your personal growth or development as a professional? 

NWU contributed positively beyond my academic journey, as there is a lot to do while being a student. I became part of the Sport Department social media team, even got a “Best Newcomer recognition award in 2022” – (2024 I received special recognition from the Sport Department as well, for having Media Personality – and many more achievements). 2024 – till date, being a Content Creator for NWU. Through the mentioned activities, I enhanced my teamwork skills, communication skills, different personalities and working methods. – NWU, I owe you nothing in all honesty.

Looking ahead, how do you hope to use your research in the future, whether in academia, policy, or practice?

I hope to use my studies in academia (more studies and recommendations to possibly solve the alleged challenges) and policy (having policies amended where possible). 

And when you’re not studying or researching, how do you like to spend your time?

Resting/sleeping or doing Media duties 

Lastly, what advice would you give to other postgraduate students who want to pursue research that makes a real-world impact? 

Have social conversations with people who are already in a space/field that you are interested in researching. Find the most common challenge that they experience, ensure you are interested in that and run with it. Lastly, do know that a research journey is more like a heavy load on its own; you will not be able to carry it alone. Allow your supervisor to assist you with the load (carry the load with you, criticise you, celebrate with you)..