The North-West University (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently paid homage to staff members who have served the institution for several years at its annual Long Service Awards event. 

These awards are presented in honour and acknowledgement of staff members who have served the institution with loyalty, dedication and hard work for 10 years and more.

Together with their awards, staff members also receive a financial insensitive, depending on the years of service. 

According to the acting principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis, the aim of these awards is to encourage loyalty and to preserve institutional memory. She congratulated and expressed her deep appreciation to the awardees for their tenacity, dedication, and selfless service offered to the university over the years.       

"Staff retention is very important – not only for the university's reputation, but also to preserve institutional memory and to create a positive culture at work. These loyal staff members prove that employee morale and job satisfaction are high at the NWU, and that the university offers an enjoyable environment to work in every day.

“The longer colleagues work together, the better they get to know each other's personalities and working styles. This can lead to better teamwork and collaboration in the workplace, as well as more camaraderie among staff, which in turn contributes to greater job satisfaction,” said Prof Du Plessis.

She added that it makes the university proud to see so many long-serving staff members grow in their careers. 

Benny Mohosho, an accounting lecturer who has been working at the institution for 25 years, was the longest serving recipient at the event. The now 46-year-old married father of two said he is proud of his service and grateful for the recognition. 

“Serving the university over the years has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience which I will always cherish. I have seen the university grow and change over time, and in the process, I have made my own unique contribution to make this university the great institution it is today,” says Benny.  

The following staff members receive certificates for 10 years of continuous service: Lize Bierman, Dr Mark Bosch, Wilma Coetzee, Dr Taty Dekoke, Kholi Dladla, Dr Manuela Fernandes-Martins, Kobus Filmalter, Dr Luzaan Hamilton, Anjonet Jordaan, Nkululeko Khomo, Lethiwe Kubheka, Juraida Latif, Dr Henri Laurie, Lebohang Mathibela, Daniel Monyamane, Jani van der Vyver, Elne van Niekerk, and Dr Deon van Tonder.

Benny Mohosho, an accounting lecturer who has been working at the NWU for 25 years, was the longest serving recipient.