They go the extra mile
The NWU has dedicated staff who routinely go above and beyond the normal call of duty. In this edition, Eish! resumes the extra mile series to give recognition to colleagues and to encourage them to continue making a difference in other people's lives.
Blanch Carolus
Bonita Maboeta, manager of Employee Wellness at the Institutional Office, nominates Blanch Carolus, head of the unit for students with disabilities at the Potchefstroom Campus's Ingrypsentrum. “Blanch not only opened the eyes of the NWU management to the needs of disabled persons, but is also a champion of equality for people with disabilities.”
Mieke du Plessis
Prof Olubukola Babalola from the School of Biological Sciences on the Mafikeng Campus says that he could have unwittingly lost some of his NRF funds if not for the assistance of Mieke du Plessis, research support officer for funding in the Institutional Office. “She followed up on my behalf and secured the funds. Her dedication and quick action with several emails meant a lot to me.”
Marieta Olivier-du Preez
“Her hard work and dedication enable other staff members to do their work.” Petrus Cloete, senior administrative assistant in the filing department of the admissions office on the Mafikeng Campus, says Marieta Olivier-du Preez, officer at Student Administrative Systems in the Institutional Office, is a spontaneous and helpful employee who deserves recognition.
Renet Rothman
Renet Rothman, lecturer in mathematics in the School of Computer, Statistical and Mathematical Sciences on the Potchefstroom Campus, goes out of her way for her students. "She encourages them by spoiling them with candy. When they are tired, she is ready with Bioplus tablets or Red Bull," says Prof Ewert Kleynhans, associate professor in the School of Economic Sciences on the same campus. Renet has also created a Facebook page by the name of "Wiskunde trippel een" (Mathematics 111) to share her insight in and passion for mathematics with her students.
Jackie van der Merwe
Petro Beukes, secretary in the School of Business Management on the Potchefstroom Campus, says Jackie van der Merwe, administrative assistant in this school, does not hesitate to put her talents to work for the NWU. “She is an expert, helps people out of tight spots and is a peacemaker. No assignment is ever too much or too demanding for her.” Petro says it is an absolute privilege to be working with Jackie. “She has had a big impact on my life.”
Prof Fanus van der Merwe
Prof Fanus van der Merwe was administrative manager at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on the Potchefstroom Campus and although he retired at the end of 2015, he is still helping out at this faculty until the end of this year. He goes the extra mile by encouraging students, doling out advice and admonishments along the way. Judie Coetzee, senior financial officer at the same faculty, says he is the one person who can deal successfully with every enquiry from students, parents and lecturers. "It will be a struggle for us not to say 'go ask Prof Fanus'."
If you would like to nominate a colleague who always goes the extra mile, please send an email to willie.duplessis@nwu.ac.za. Remember to indicate your job title and the name of your department or school, as well as those of the person you are nominating. Also give reasons why you think the person goes the extra mile.
