Running like clockwork ... Convocation president Bert Sorgdraer, who delivered a message on behalf of the NWU Council, the Convocation and alumni, said that Fika wás the Potchefstroom Campus. “He always stuck to his ‘true north’, and is the same person today that he was 40 years ago.”

When the baton is passed during a relay, precision is everything. As the first athlete approaches, the one sprinting the next stage should be ready and waiting for a smooth and seamless handover.

 

This is exactly what can be expected to happen when the new deputy vice-chancellor of the campus in Potchefstroom receives the baton.

At Fika's farewell function, he and Daryl staged a relay to demonstrate the seamless handover that will see Daryl taking up the baton as deputy vice-chancellor in January 2019. During his career, Fika has given his all for the good of the NWU and especially the campus. Similarly, Daryl has every intention of seeing the university and the campus prosper.

Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg is retiring from the position at the end of the year and handing the baton to Prof Daryl Balia, the former dean of the Faculty of Theology.

 

During Fika’s recent farewell function on the campus, Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor of the NWU, said Fika had made an unbelievable contribution in his almost 40 years at the university. “Thank you very much for always remaining a treasure to the institution.”

 

Dalena d’Assonville, chairperson of the Student Campus Council, said that the students regard him as a true legend who never forgot that the students were a crucial part of the NWU. “Thank you, Prof, it was a ‘manjafika’ time with you.”

 

Get a good grip on the baton

 

Daryl will take over the position of deputy vice-chancellor early in January.His ideal for the NWU is to help the institution move purposefully towards its goal of becoming a unitary university.

 

“I want us to have a shared identity in order for us to be undivided in our endeavour to create the society to which our founding father, Nelson Mandela, devoted his life.

 

“My great vision is to keep the NWU, and especially the campus in Potchefstroom, the wonderful place that it has been and still is for so many of our staff and students.”

 

Click on the links in the columns to the left and the right to find out more about the visionary minds and caring hearts of Prof Fika and Prof Daryl.