With 25 years of distinguished service, Amanda Kruger is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and dependable professionals at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Known as one of the go-to people at the institution, she is recognised for her extensive institutional knowledge, strong professional networks and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over two decades, she has become someone who “knows anyone and everyone”, playing a pivotal role in the smooth running and remarkable growth of the campus.

Amanda, an administrative officer at Student Academic Lifecycle Administration (SALA), was honoured as the longest-serving administrative staff member during the Long-Service Awards ceremony recently held at Tsebonokeng Hall.

The 55-year-old’s journey of service was shaped long before she entered the university environment. Kruger attended General Smuts High School, an English-medium school where she says she learned to think differently, adapt easily and engage confidently with people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure later proved invaluable in a transforming university environment.

After completing matric, Amanda joined the South African Defence Force, where she had been recruited alongside 15 other young women. A former deputy head girl, she describes her military background as a defining chapter in her life.

“This was a building block for my competence. It gave me confidence to tackle any task,” she says.

The army instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, accountability and precision – values that would become the cornerstone of her professional life. She served for seven years as a colonel’s secretary, gaining experience that sharpened her organisational skills and work ethic.

She joined the NWU in 2001, beginning a long and impactful career in administration. For 18 years, she worked closely with former SALA director Neels Vermeulen, whom she credits as a mentor who profoundly shaped her professional identity.

“He was my mentor, my boss and my teacher. He was never afraid to share information and his experience with me. I am who I am because of him,” she reflects.

When Neels took early retirement in 2018, Amanda continued her journey under new leadership. She expresses deep appreciation for her current supervisor, Lelanie van Zyl.

“I cannot ask for a better manager. She is a visionary who has taken SALA to another level. I am so proud of her. She is a good and compassionate manager,” she says.

Reflecting on her career, Amanda notes: “My journey has been one of growth. I have added value to my work, and my work has added value to my life. I love my colleagues, and I am grateful to have a good work life and a supportive manager.”

One of the most significant milestones in her career came in 2006, when she organised the graduation ceremony of the university for the first time – a task she describes as requiring thoroughness, precision and resilience.

“Graduations carry a lot of responsibility. They require someone who is thorough,” she explains.

The first graduation she coordinated hosted 356 students. Since then, Amanda has witnessed – and helped manage – extraordinary growth. This May, close to 2 000 graduates are expected. The campus has expanded from one graduation session to 11 sessions. She has seen it grow from a single building into a thriving institution, with student numbers increasing from 2 500 to more than 11 500.

Having achieved most of what she set out to accomplish, Amanda now focuses on mentoring younger staff members, ensuring that critical institutional memory and professional standards are passed on to the next generation.

She also expressed gratitude to Prof. Linda du Plessis, former deputy vice-chancellor of the campus, for opening opportunities that allowed her to focus on what she loves most – events and milestone ceremonies.

Beyond her professional role, Amanda is a mother of two, André (29) and Angelica (35), and a devoted grandmother who treasures time spent with her granddaughter. In her personal time, she enjoys creative pursuits such as art, knitting, sewing and crocheting – passions that reflect the same patience and dedication that have defined her 25 years of service.