Guests rose to the challenge of wearing the proverbial hat that they are wearing at work now that the restructuring process is over. In other words, everyone had to wear a hat representing their new job description or the changes to their previous job description. The colleagues did not disappoint.
The event started with an address from the host and deputy vice-chancellor for planning and campus operations in Vanderbijlpark, Prof Linda du Plessis. She wore a hard hat, which matched the construction theme of her address.
We’re all wearing hard hats
Linda explained that the strategic repositioning and restructuring process is rather like working on a big construction site. Although we are all busy with different aspects of the business, we are all building towards the same end goal: To be an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic of care.
The afternoon truly celebrated hard work and employee effort with no fewer than 22 staff members receiving long-service awards.
The fun and games started with the hat parade, aimed at choosing the best ladies’ and gents’ hats for the day.
Crowns for top hatters
Emile Hoffmann from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences walked away as the best male hatter, wearing a hat that he fashioned from office elastic and three pens!
Poppy Narenti from Corporate Relations and Marketing was chosen as best female hatter with a hat that depicted her role as administrator of the Corporate Clothing Store. Both colleagues won NWU hoodies, which they selflessly donated to needy students.
Singing sweet songs
The highlight of the day was certainly the Candy Shoppe ladies, with Andy Klee on vocals and Cathy del Mei on the saxophone. Dressed in bright and whimsical outfits, they delivered classic after classic, all with a “sweet theme”, which included songs such as “The Candyman can”, “Sweet Child of Mine”, “Lollipop” and “Sugar, sugar”, while handing out all kinds of sweet treats to the delight of the audience.
The afternoon was concluded with a scrumptious lunch and the Candy Shoppe ladies returned for another set of easy listening music, this time in their evening wear. Colleagues and friends sat around their tables and enjoyed the music and view of the Vaal River, ending a fruitful first semester of 2018 on a high note.
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Poppy Narenti (Corporate Relations and Marketing) was crowned best female hatter. With her are Tsholofelo Raikane (Faculty of Humanities) and Kinga Siejek (Corporate Relations and Marketing).
Master of ceremonies Hanlie Smuts (Corporate Relations and Marketing) interviews Eddie Kok (Faculty of Education), while Mallery Mitchell (Faculty of Education) looks on.
Jacob Nxadi (Inventory Administration) and Tembi Mosabala (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) enjoy Cathy Del Mei’s performance.
These mad hatters are Vené Petzer (Faculty of Education), Renay van Vught (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences), Elize van der Westhuizen (Student Academic Lifecycle Administration - SALA), Mallery Mitchell (Faculty of Education) and Poppy Narenti (Corporate Relations and Marketing).
Sharing a joke are Hermann Bosch (Faculty of Education) and best male hatter, Emile Hoffman (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) on the far right. With them from left are Eddie Kok (Faculty of Education), Rikus Stroh (Faculty of Education) and Sibusiso Mnxuma (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences).