RECTOR’S OFFICE
Dear Student
Spring is in the air and with it a newfound spirit of renewal has swept across our lovely Campus. Maybe it can be
ascribed to the looming awareness that the seasons are
changing, and whilst nature is slowly awakening from
her winter slumber, I find myself looking forward to a
season of new beginning and growth.
I hope you share my optimism about this new phase
of the year, and join me in celebrating all the successes we have achieved thus far. This year is a milestone
year for the University and it is my wish that each student will also look back on 2014 as a year in which they
achieved beyond expectation – both in and out of the
lecture room.
In line with the 2014 National Women’s Month theme
– Celebrating women of character, courage and commitment, the Vaal Triangle Campus applauds the innovation, care and sheer determination in which our researchers, lecturers and support staff contribute towards
the overall success of the Campus. As a Campus we
acknowledge the important role women play – not only
in society, but also in academia. We salute women, as
they represent the very best in the human spirit. Women
teach us about leadership, friendship, purpose, cooperation, collaboration, resourcefulness, happiness, compassion, and much more, including what it is to inspire.
As a country we have come a long way since 1956,
when 20 000 women marched on the Union Buildings,
in Pretoria, demanding an end to the pass-law system.
Another important focus in August is the process to elect
a new body of student leaders. These leaders – be it
through the Student Representative Council or the respective House Committees, must – in adherence to the
provision of its constitution, play a vital role in ensuring
the general welfare of all students on the Campus. The
Student Representative Council is the highest decisionmaking structure of student governance and it is therefore of cardinal importance that each registered student
take part in the voting process.
With the recent international Mandela Day celebrations
still fresh in our memories, it is heartening to see everyday South Africans unite towards a better way of living
for all. I especially want to thank both staff and students
for their willingness to take part in this annual initiative
as well as for the overwhelming generosity shown. As
a Campus Rector it is heartwarming to see and experience that the Campus has come to not only embrace
4 - Student 24/7
Mandela Day but also adopt an ethos of continuous
charitable giving.
As we get ready to enter another month, let’s allow our
senses to be renewed by the prospect of change and let
us proudly act as change agents for a better tomorrow.
I like to think of change agents as modern-day superheroes. I leave you, with the words of Superman (the actor
Christopher Reeve) himself, when he said: “A hero is an
ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere
and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”