On Friday, 3 November, the three campuses of the North-West University (NWU) each hosted their annual memorial service in honour of all the staff and students who had sadly passed away during the past year.

Thirty-two students and eight personnel had passed away – a figure the NWU could never have anticipated.

“These individuals are not just a number or a statistic; they are people who touched our lives and we are thankful that in their lives our paths crossed,” said Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Planning and Campus Operations (Vanderbijlpark Campus).

In his address to the audience, the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, urged the students to keep their dreams within their grasp. He said: “Your journey is just as meaningful as your ultimate destination; each step you take is bringing you closer to a brighter future. As you navigate the complex terrain of both your academic and personal endeavours, define a clear purpose – set ambitious goals, and persevere through any obstacles that may arise.”

Prof Daryl Balia, the deputy vice-chancellor for Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom Campus), said the memorial service was an appropriate event to honour the lives of the deceased. He added: “Everyone has a sense of who they are, and our deceased personnel and students shared that identity.”

In her address, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, the deputy vice-chancellor for Community Engagement and Campus Operations (Mahikeng Campus), reflected that it is against the natural flow of life for a parent to bury a child.

“While we mourn our colleagues and students, we pay tribute to and celebrate their lives that were well lived. Although for us these lives were too short, we pray for courage and strength to bear this loss.”

The NWU extends its sincere condolences to the friends and families of the deceased. They will forever be in our hearts.

Click on the following link to watch the memorial speech by the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Tyobeka.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for Community Engagement and Campus Operations (Mahikeng Campus), addresses staff and students

 

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations pays her last respects to those we have lost

 

Prof Daryl Balia, the deputy vice-chancellor for Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom Campus), at the memorial service on the Potchefstroom Campus.

 

 

NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, delivering his memorial message at the memorial service on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.