Bert Sorgdrager

Message from the president

of the NWU Convocation

Dear alumni

 

We have passed the halfway mark for the year and before we know it, December will be upon us.

 

This is a year with many challenges – in some respects even more so than in 2020. Although we have started getting used to the so-called “new normal”, Covid-19 has claimed the lives of many people this year.

 

While we all yearn for the pre-Covid period, reality has to be faced. I have to congratulate the NWU, on behalf of all alumni, on its efforts to keep everybody safe at all times.

 

Choose to act responsibly

 

We all miss reunions and get-togethers, and we sympathise with every student who is currently missing the privilege of campus life. But when we weigh this against the risks, available resources and the impact of Covid-19, it is the most responsible road the NWU can choose.

 

These decisions are not made lightly – on the contrary: they are made with the aid of experts and numerous role players, and also within the framework prescribed for us by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Although schools are continuing normally as far as possible, the guidelines and rules for tertiary education institutions are different.

 

NWU assists with vaccinations

 

Special mention must be made of the NWU’s leadership in the battle against Covid-19. Recently, thousands of Covid-19 vaccinations have been administered here to safeguard the university and local communities against the disease. The NWU is also a leader in the search for workable solutions.

 

We all continue to believe that we will get this pandemic under control. In the meantime, we take hope from the knowledge that all dark clouds have a silver lining, and we are proud to announce that the NWU received quite a number of awards at the Marketing, Communication and Advancement in  Education (MACE) awards.

 

MACE is a national body comprising representatives from higher education institutions in the country.

 

The NWU had 26 entries and received a total of 20 awards. We were the university with the second highest percentage of awards received in relation to our entries.

 

Our own Alumni Office boasts a gold and a bronze award, and the NWU & U magazine received two silver and two bronze awards.

 

Let your voice be heard

 

Congratulations to Convocation members Adv Marlize Kruger and Rev Dirk Laufs who were recently elected to represent the Convocation on the NWU Council. They will join Prof Annette Combrink and me, in serving on the Council on behalf of the Convocation.

 

Through the four of us – and by becoming a member of the Convocation – you can make sure that your voice is heard when major decisions about the university are taken.

 

The Convocation is your opportunity as an alumnus to remain involved in the NWU and to ensure that your voice is heard at all levels in the university structures. Join us. It costs only R50 – a once-off payment for lifelong membership.

 

 

Regards,

 

Bert Sorgdrager
President of the NWU Convocation