After nearly 16 years in senior leadership at the North-West University (NWU), Prof. Sonia Swanepoel says the growth of the Mahikeng Campus, the development of staff and the relationships built with students, colleagues and the community stand out as defining parts of her time at the institution.

Prof. Swanepoel is preparing for retirement after a period that saw academic expansion, infrastructure development and changes in student life on the campus.

She served as dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Administration (2010 tot 2017), and then as executive dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (2018 to 2021), and later as deputy vice-chancellor (2021 to 2026) with responsibility for the Mahikeng Campus.

Looking back at her time as dean, Prof. Swanepoel says one of the priorities was to strengthen academic capacity in the faculty.

“During my stint as dean, we focused on creating a conducive environment for staff to improve their qualifications and subsequently improve the research outputs of the faculty,” she says.

Later, in her campus leadership role, she focused on maintaining standards while expanding facilities and student support.

“As deputy vice-chancellor, with the assistance of a strong team, we confirmed the broken window principle, fix a small thing before it becomes dilapidated. We built a beautiful campus, improved the infrastructure and maintained a culture of a clean environment,” Prof. Swanepoel says.

She points to several projects completed during this period, including new student residences that added 1 728 beds, the construction of teaching pods and the development of smart classrooms.

Among projects currently under way or in planning are a water purification system, a reading laboratory, new lecture venues, a sundial and water feature and green spaces designed to create informal learning areas for students.

Prof. Swanepoel says her connection with the Mahikeng Campus was shaped largely by the people who worked and studied there.

“The people and the team spirit of the Mahikeng Campus, the support, cooperation and loyalty, empowered me to serve the campus to the best of my ability,” she adds.

Her involvement in student life, including her time as house parent at Lost City Residence, helped her understand the needs of students beyond the classroom.

As she prepares to leave the NWU, Prof. Swanepoel says it is the daily interaction with students, staff and the broader community that she will miss most.

“I will miss the people, our colleagues and students and the community members who always assisted the university, including local government and traditional leaders who supported us in many projects.”

Reflecting on the future of the campus, Prof. Swanepoel says the strength of the institution lies in its people.

“It is the people on this campus who make the difference, and with this team you will continue to build a conducive environment for staff and students,” she adds.

In a message to colleagues and students, she expresses appreciation for the support she received over the years.

“To all my current and previous colleagues, your friendship, support, cooperation and loyalty empowered me to serve our university to the best of my ability. It has been a privilege working with all of you, and I wish you well as you continue to build the NWU, and especially the Mahikeng Campus, to greater heights.”.

Prof. Sonia Swanepoel hands over the spade to Dr Joe Molete who will be taking over the reins as deputy vice-chancellor during her farewell event in Mahikeng.