Two valued staff members from the Division of Student Administration at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) of Stellenbosch University (SU) have retired after a long period of service.

Mrs Salot Hanekom worked for SU for a total of 45 years, of which by far the largest part was for the FMHS.

Hanekom matriculated at the PW Botha Technical High School in George and then completed a year-long secretarial course at the Stellenbosch Technical College. “I finished Friday and started working Monday," she says of how she started her career as a typist/telephonist in the Purchasing and Supply Services department on SU's main campus in November 1976.

On 1 August 1980 she was transferred to the FMHS's Selection Division as typist/administrative officer after applying for this position. During this period she and her husband, Gielie, also moved from Stellenbosch to Bellville for logistical reasons. They have three daughters, Milisa, Carika and Lejandra.

Hanekom's next goal was a position as secretary for the Head: Administration, which became a reality in early 1984. Her job title was changed over time to that of Coordinator: Office of the Deputy Registrar (Tygerberg Campus).

“You have to be on your toes with the right information," she says about his position.

During her tenure she served under six FMHS deans and, among other things, arranged the professors' inaugural lectures.

According to her one of her biggest challenges was switching from a typewriter to a computer. In addition, she says, each dean or head had his or her own management style and she has had to engage in new challenges such as virtually handling the oath-taking ceremony due to Covid-19. “Especially the last two years there have been rapid adjustments with Covid, such as working from home."

A highlight was working with students from their first year to their sixth year, including the oath-taking ceremony, she adds.

Over the years Hanekom has received several performance bonuses and also, in 2006, the Rector's Award for Outstanding Service Delivery.

“I am ready and looking forward to it," she says of her retirement. “I would like to enjoy my retirement with my husband and children."

And her advice for young people? “Passion and perseverance in your work, and respect for your work and fellow human beings. And you have to come to work with a positive attitude."

“Incalculable," is how Ms Farah Fredericks, current Deputy Registrar and Head: Centre for Student Administration (Tygerberg), describes Hanekom's contribution to the university and the FMHS. “We will definitely miss her institutional knowledge after 45 years of service to SU as well as her loyalty, caring attitude and work ethic."

Hanekom's colleague Mr Johan Coetzer, faculty administrator and head of programme administration, retired after 25 years of service.

During this period the campus underwent wonderful renewal, says Coetzer, who was born and bred in the Free State and spent his childhood and school years in Brandfort, where he completed matric in 1979. “Those were very good, carefree years," he recalls. A highlight was when he played for Eastern Free State B's schools rugby team.

His rugby collection, with his most valuable item a team photo of the 1928 All Blacks who toured South Africa, is a hobby that will keep him busy after retiring. “I also plan to tackle something in which I can immerse myself and earn an income."

Coetzer studied BAdmin at the then University of the Orange Free State (UOFS), was a member of the house committee of the CR de Wet residence and obtained an honours degree in business economics.

After a stint in banking, he worked for seven years in an administrative capacity for the UOFS, also for the Faculty of Medicine. During this time his and his wife, Mariaan's, two children, Philip and Liechen, were born and he also obtained his master's degree in town and regional planning.

In June 1996 they move to Cape Town after he was appointed as an examination officer (Tygerberg campus) and faculty secretary of the FMHS.

According to Fredericks his thorough reports have achieved legendary status at the university. “The loss of his institutional knowledge, his sense of humour and loyalty to SU will leave a huge gap."

He could learn a lot from the formidable deans, excellent vice deans and deputy registrars with whom he worked at the FMHS, says Coetzer. Highlights were the appreciation that staff and students expressed of his service – “no matter how small" – and that he was involved in writing the motivations for five of the faculty's six Chancellor's Medal winners. The first recipient was the current SU rector, Prof Wim de Villiers.

“I have dealt with truly exceptional people on the Tygerberg campus, both staff and students, and I want to say thank you that I was in the service of the university and for the contribution to my development as a human being."

He owes a lot of thanks to his family, says Coetzer, “especially for Mariaan's loyal support and the delicious food parcels she packed for me every day. I also owe substantial gratitude to my parents, Philip and Doreen Coetzer, and my brothers, Philip and André, for what I could learn from them."