It is no secret that the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) is one of the faculties that is held in the highest repute in the country. This faculty lately inaugurated another expert from their stable as professor to expand their profile of expertise even further.

Prof Willie Venter, a computer engineer, recently delivered his inaugural address.

Prof Venter is a beloved colleague with many miles of experience behind him. His inaugural address was held in the Senate Hall on the campus in Potchefstroom, where the former deputy vice-chancellor, Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, praised him during the opening and welcome part of the event. “Willie is a fixer. He wants to use his science to make the world a better place for all,” he said.

Prof Venter was born in Kroonstad in 1957 and matriculated at the Afrikaans high school in the same town. He refers to this phase as a “humble beginning to this career”. He paid special homage to one of former teachers, who also attended the inaugural event. “This man made an enormous impression on my life. Mr Koos Smit, thank you that you have come to celebrate with me today.”

Prof Venter left South Africa from 1987 to 1989 to study computer engineering at the Iowa State University in America. Here he completed his PhD and then returned to plough back his knowledge at the NWU as associate professor in electronic and computer engineering.

During his time at the NWU he has found his research niche and thus far has made an exceptional contribution to the industry – at national as well as international level. He was also a mentor to 33 MEng and PhD students who completed their studies under his supervision. One of these students was his eldest son, Gert Venter, who was also the proud recipient of the NWU Chancellor’s Medal.

The opportunities that computer engineering offers to South Africa and the world are close to Prof Venter’s heart. In his inaugural address he explains in the smallest detail how any industry can benefit from this specialist field. From robots, modern technology, cars that can drive themselves to logistics transport. He says that this industry offers more career opportunities than all the other fields of engineering combined.

“Too many opportunities have passed because too few computer engineers are available to address the needs. My biggest dream is to especially address these opportunities and make a positive difference,” he says.

Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor of the campus, handled the formal inauguration and congratulations. “We as university, community and nation want to be the leaders with respect to technology and opportunities. With experts like Prof Venter in our midst we can take computer engineering forwards. Congratulations and all the best with your task,” Prof Balia said.

As part of his acknowledgements, Prof Venter mentioned his mother, sister, cousin and colleagues who were present at this prestige evening. However, he made special mention of his two sons, Gert and Willem, and his wife, Arthurita. “You have always been my pillar of strength. I am so proud that my two sons share my love for engineering. Thank you for what you mean to me.”

Prof Venter concluded with a final thought it the audience: “Make sure you grab every opportunity the future may hold!”.

 Prof Willie Venter was recently inaugurated as professor in the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.