Campus community bids stalwarts farewell

The campus community of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently bid farewell to retiring staff members. During a special farewell event staff members and special guests said their farewells to Mr Edwin Fudumele Nkosapantsi and Mr Mauritz Meyer who, between them, contributed towards 24 years of service to the campus and the campus community. Many a student and alumnus will remember Edwin for his passion for education and the youth whilst Mauritz – a well-known former mayor of Vereeniging, played an integral part in the success of many community engagement projects.

In his address the Campus Rector, Prof Thanyani Mariba, lamented that these two colleagues can be compared to trees on the bank of the river that not only provides shade and pleasure but also shield the campus from turbulent winds. “As a campus community we salute these two colleagues who contributed immensely to the development and growth of our campus” said the Campus Rector as he wished them well on their future ventures.

Mr Mauritz Meyer, Prof Thanyani Mariba (Campus Rector) and Mr Edwin Nkosapantsi

Edwin Fudumele Nkosapantsi joined the University in 1993 and during the past 17 years, he has proved himself to be a man that is passionate about education and the youth. As the “father” of the Ikataleng Project, he has shared in the joys and successes of countless students who shed the stigma of a township upbringing and who – through education and the process of life long learning – today take up the role of corporate manager, business director, entrepreneur and community leader. Edwin has managed to instil and to nurture the hunger for education in the hearts of the youth and by doing so empowered them to give flight to their dreams. The humility with which Edwin reached out to every learner he met, left a permanent imprint and many of the current students can attest to the positive influence that Edwin had on their lives – not only in terms of their academic achievements but also in terms of their outlook on life.

If you mention the name, Mauritz Meyer one immediately thinks about his enthusiasm for the community and the countless projects he takes part in. The most memorable of these, must be – without a doubt, his passion for Wheels at the Vaal. Whether behind the wheel of his beloved Morris Minor or his trusty white Nissan “bakkie” , you can be sure that Mauritz is doing what he does best – breathing life into an idea and by doing so building relationships with the community. As a former mayor of Vereeniging and a well-known Public Relations Officer, Mauritz handled a variety of projects with ease since his appointment in 1998 and he can proudly boast with successes like the Campus to Campus Super Classic Cycle Challenge, the ever popular Wheels at the Vaal Veteran Motor Show and the Walkerville Mountain Bike Challenge. Since age is only a number and a cipher for the records, Mauritz will not be retiring his experience. As from 1 January 2011 he will be involved with the Sylviavale Heritage Museum, the Vaal Old Wheels Club, various cultural organisations as well as golfing events and cycle races across the country.

Published by Sipho Msolo on 28 January 2011.