A spirit of gratitude and celebration filled the Tsebonokeng Hall on the Vanderbijlpark Campus as the North-West University (NWU) honoured staff members for their years of dedicated service.
The annual Long-Service Awards ceremony followed the official academic opening and brought together staff and campus leadership in recognition of commitment, loyalty and institutional excellence.
The programme, directed by Puso Kgosinkwe, featured an appearance by Eagi, the beloved mascot of the NWU, and musical interludes by the Tranquillity Band, whose performances added a celebratory tone to the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Andiswa Msi, campus chief director, described the honourees as pillars of strength during a time when career mobility has become increasingly common. She said the colleagues being honoured represented stability and experience. “You are the anchors of our campus. You carry institutional memory,” she said, thanking the awardees for choosing to remain at the institution and continue contributing to its growth.
Her sentiments were echoed by Prof. Jeffery Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus. He reflected on the rarity of such long-term commitment in the professional landscape of today. “Not everyone is able to stay in one organisation for even one year,” he remarked. “We appreciate your loyalty. To those who are nearing retirement, your impact is deeply appreciated.”
Prof. Mphahlele emphasised that the ceremony symbolised more than the number of years served. He noted that it was about the sacrifices made behind the scenes to strengthen the institution. “It is not just about loyalty; it is about the sacrifices you make to make the NWU great. This is to say thank you to your families and to those who stand as pillars of strength behind you. We appreciate what you do,” he said.
Certificates were awarded to staff members who had reached milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of service between 1 May 2025 and 1 May 2026.
The milestone of 35 years of service was celebrated by Prof. Wynand Grobler, the longest-serving economics academic at the university. Over three and a half decades, he has devoted himself to teaching, leadership and advancing excellence in the economic sciences, leaving a lasting legacy in the faculty and the broader university community.
Amanda Kruger, an administrative officer at Student Academic Lifecycle Administration, was honoured as the longest-serving administrative staff member with 25 years of service. Her extensive institutional knowledge, strong professional networks and unwavering commitment to excellence has made her one of the go-to staff members at the institution. “Knowing anyone and everyone”, she plays a pivotal role in the smooth running and growth of the campus.
Academic Prof Wynand Grobler was honoured for 35 years of service.
Amanda Kruger was honoured for 25 years of service. With her is her daughter Angelica.
10 years of service:
Ms S Anthony
Ms AC Barros
Mr A Dalasile
Prof. JJ de Jongh
Mr JM de Villiers
Ms MP Hlaka
Ms MP Kgaka
Ms ML Lehihi
Prof. HT Lues
Ms AC Marx
Mr KMB Motsepe
Ms AT Mothupi
Mr JM Mthimkhulu
Ms KC Narenti
Ms K Phajane
Mr SJ Roos
Mr MO Serake
Mr S Sithole
Ms SMS Strydom
Ms AM van der Elst
Prof. M van Deventer
Ms CM Young
Ms A Omar
15 years of service:
Ms CE Gerber
Mr NB Khomo
Dr PL Ntsizwane
Ms A Mostert
Ms TM Tswaile
Prof L van den Berg
Ms BM van der Niet
20 years of service:
Ms L Britz
Prof. MM Kloppers
Prof. M Nel
Dr V Pelser-Carstens
Mr MW Zungu
25 years of service:
Ms A Kruger
