There are people who pass through institutions, and then there are people who become part of them woven into the very fabric of what an organisation stands for. Bert Sorgdrager belongs to the latter.

On the 17th of June, the North-West University (NWU) gathered to bid farewell to a man whose name has been synonymous with principled leadership for nearly a decade. The farewell reflected a moment of collective gratitude, as those gathered paused to honour someone whose quiet, steady leadership helped shape the institution they all care deeply about.

When Bert took his seat on the NWU Council on 22 June 2017, he could not have known just how profoundly he would shape the university's journey. By the time his final term comes to an end on 27 July 2026, he will have devoted nine years and one month of dedicated service to the institution across three consecutive terms, each one a renewed commitment to the NWU community.

His connection to the NWU stretches back even further. He joined the executive committee of the NWU Convocation in 2015, long before his Council years began. From 2018 to 2024, he served as President of the Convocation, a role that reflected the deep trust and confidence the broader NWU community placed in him. He did not arrive at the Council table as a stranger; he arrived as someone who had already devoted years of service to the institution and would go on to give many more.

In June 2022, Bert was unanimously elected Chairperson of the Council.  In a world where consensus is hard-won and leadership is contested, that word 'unanimously' carries weight. It speaks to the respect his peers held for him, the trust they placed in his judgement, and the confidence they had that he would lead with integrity.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, said: "During Bert's tenure as Chairperson of Council, the university experienced significant progress across many areas. We strengthened our academic reputation, achieved record postgraduate enrolments, established a new medical school, undertook important institutional restructuring, reinforced governance, and celebrated remarkable sporting achievements, particularly in football, where the NWU reached national prominence.

"Leadership at this level is never without its challenges. It demands patience, resilience and a long-term perspective, as the true impact of sound leadership is often only realised over time. Bert's steady guidance and commitment have helped position the university for continued success, and we are deeply grateful for his service and lasting contribution to the NWU."

Council Deputy Chairperson René Kenosi said Bert's greatest contribution cannot be measured only by the decisions made around the Council table, but by the example he set every day. He led with humility, integrity and consistency, earning the respect of colleagues across the university.

"His legacy will live on in the culture he helped cultivate, the trust he inspired and the people he mentored. He leaves behind not only a stronger institution, but a community that has been enriched by his wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment to the values of the NWU."

Bert Sorgdrager leaves the NWU Council at the end of July 2026. But the institution he helped build the culture of integrity, the commitment to its people and the standards of governance he upheld. Those remain.

The NWU wishes Bert Sorgdrager every success and fulfilment in the chapter ahead, with profound gratitude for all that he has given.