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.
Sabelo Chizwina
Canadia Musi, librarian, nominates Sabelo Chizwina, head librarian at Information Services on the Mafikeng Campus. “He works until late in the evenings, even weekends, to help students who struggle to obtain information for assignments. He also assists students with the computers, even though that is not part of his job description. Sabelo also helps with students' social activities.”
Henriëtte Groenewald
Henriëtte Groenewald, senior administrative officer at the Ferdinand Postma Library on the Potchefstroom Campus, is always friendly and helpful. Marolay van der Walt, administrative assistant, says she solves any crises at the library quickly and efficiently and also sees to it that the staff members keep the library neat and tidy.
Danie Hefer
Marelize de Lange, director for finances on the Potchefstroom Campus and member of the bursary and loans committee, nominates Danie Hefer, head of financial support services on the Potchefstroom Campus. She says he provides an outstanding service to needy students. “He is the NWU face of NSFAS. Hundreds of needy students come to his office each year, and he patiently listens to all of them and tries his best to help them with the limited funds that are available. His passion for his work is evident, and strikes me every time he speaks about it. He is much loved among the students and definitely goes the extra mile for them.”
Mandie Jansen van Vuuren
According to Thea Joubert from Higher Degrees Administration on the Potchefstroom Campus, her colleague, senior administrative assistant Mandie Jansen van Vuuren, is very enthusiastic. “She is a spontaneous person and always willing to help. Colleagues can attest that she has a good rapport with students and that she goes out of her way to do more than can be expected of her for the postgraduate students.”
Tanya Linde
Tanya Linde, collector at Student Fees and Debtors on the Potchefstroom Campus, joined the team last year and definitely goes the extra mile, be it for colleagues, parents or students. According to colleague Johan Combrink, nothing is too much trouble for Tanya, even if she is very busy. “Even though she has to commute from Klerksdorp, she is always one of the first ones in the office in the morning and one of the last ones to leave in the evening.”
Riaan Marx
Riaan Marx, systems engineer at IT in the Institutional Office, provides an essential service. His hard and dedicated work enables other staff members to do their work. “Riaan tackles all tasks with lots of enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude. He gives feedback and keeps staff informed about every step that is taken to solve a particular problem,” says Wildrich Fourie, manager at the Centre for Text Technology (CtexT®).
Anne-Marie Snyman
Lisl Boshoff, administrative assistant in the School of Communication Studies, says Anne-Marie Snyman, senior administrative officer at the car park on the Potchefstroom Campus, goes out of her way to help others. “If staff members need a specific car that has already been reserved, she tries her best to arrange a swop so that the staff member can use that particular preferred vehicle.”
Roald van den Berg
Petro Wessels, manager for salaries in the Institutional Office, says Roald van den Berg, system specialist at IT in the Institutional Office, deserves recognition. “He always finds time to solve problems quickly and with a positive attitude. On several occasions he has even helped us while he was on leave, and after hours. His lovely personality makes it a pleasure to work with him.”
Susan van Rooyen
Susan van Rooyen, alumni coordinator on the Mafikeng Campus, is also a houseparent who makes the students feel like family. Dr Inge Venter, academic advisor for teaching development on the Potchefstroom Campus, says Susan really looks after the students. She makes sure that they have enough to eat, provides toiletries to needy female students and shares her wisdom and advice with everyone. “Susan is also a talented master of ceremonies whose humour and empathy endear her to audiences. Her nickname on the Mafikeng Campus is ‘Ma Susie’.”
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.