Working as personal assistant to Prof Herman van der Merwe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Helei has been a member of the purple team for over two decades.

 

In this article, she tells us a little about herself and her background.

 

How long have you been with the NWU?

I started working at the NWU in 1996 as a temporary administrative assistant and became a permanent administrative assistant in 2000.

 

How did you end up in the higher education sector?

Growing up I wanted to be a social worker, but my mom said I would cry too much, so I had to think of another career.

 

In 1995 my husband, Petri, and I moved to Vanderbijlpark.

 

He was offered a position as junior lecturer on the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus. One of the admin ladies in the mathematics subject group retired and I was appointed temporarily, and the rest is history.

 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brits, close to Pretoria, and I drank a lot of water from the Hartbeespoort Dam.

 

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Visiting my grandparents on their farm in Jan Kempdorp almost every Christmas until they passed away when I was eight years old. I also reminisce about the days I played soccer with the farm workers’ kids, sitting under the trees and eating watermelon at Christmas.

 

What is the most valuable lesson you have carried with you from your childhood?

My father is a very wise man; he taught me a lot of valuable lessons. The most valuable is to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Another lesson that has stuck with me is to not take life too seriously, enjoy more, laugh more and just be myself.

 

What or who motivates you and makes you happy?

I am motivated by how Mother Teresa devoted her life to Christ and to helping the poor. When my children, family and friends are happy, I am happy.

 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my free time I can be found reading books and spending time with my family and friends.

 

What is your favourite song of all time?

I have a few favourites, but if I had to choose, it would be Blessings by Laura Story.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Covid-19 changed my view on life. I now live life to the fullest and just take it one day at a time.

 

What do you want to be remembered for?

 I want to be remembered as someone who was kind, compassionate and helped others.

 

How long have you been married and how many kids do you have?

Petri and I have been married for 29 years.  That is longer than I was single! We have been blessed with three daughters, Dané, the eldest, and twins, Bernice and Beuhla, who were born minutes apart.

 

What advice would you give to those who look up to you?

I read this in the book, The Way of Wisdom - Inspiring Stories and Poetry from Around the World:

 

“Give freely of what you find, this does not only mean material possessions. If you are happy, smile, if you have climbed a mountain, bring up others so they too can enjoy the view.

 

“Always remember, that if you can laugh at it, you can live with it. Times will be tough, no doubt, and when the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’ Never, ever give up.”