Name: Paul Geswindt
Dept: Alumni Relations
Position: Director
What has been your highlight during the time which you have been at NMMU?
“The fact that we were able to bring three institutions together to form this new generation university that serves the public of South Africa and abroad. It was an interesting challenge, considering that each institution had its own history. But we have managed to chart a new path for higher education, one that acknowledges everyone.”
What have you enjoyed about 2015 – our ten year anniversary?
“I think it’s worth celebrating and acknowledging that we have achieved so much in this short period. Some commentators said it would take the institution at least 8 to 10 years for it to settle. In that period, so many new and exciting things have happened that are definitely worth celebrating. I can mention the new infrastructure, new programmes and departments etc.”
What are you looking forward to at the university?
“I look forward to seeing us, as a transforming university, playing a much greater role in transforming our communities while we are transforming ourselves. And impact to a greater extent, to the transformation of the country - on a social and developmental basis.”
Name: Nolutsha Gayiya
Dept: Financial Aid Office
Position: Financial Aid Clerk
What has been your highlight during the time which you have been at NMMU?
“My personal highlight was when I got the opportunity to attend the LeaderCast satellite broadcast, which has been held at NMMU for the past 3 years. I attended in 2013 and 2015. I especially enjoyed the 2015 broadcast, as it spoke about being brave. Because bravery does not only help you, it also helps those you lead.”
What have you enjoyed about 2015 – our ten year anniversary?
“I enjoyed the 10 year celebrations on Madibaz Day. The highlight for me on that day was seeing the VC on the ground, mingling with staff and students and taking selfies. That connection was the best. We never get to see him as often as we would like to, but on that day he was a part of the NMMU community.”
What are you looking forward to at NMMU?
“I would like to see more students accessing higher education at NMMU. Not just any students, but top students. More importantly, I look forward to seeing more students being funded and being able to obtain their qualifications. I also look forward to seeing more staff members interacting and connecting with one another.”
Name: Selwyn Milborrow
Dept: Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) – Student Academic Development
Position: Office Administrator
What has been your highlight during the time which you have been at NMMU?
“What stands out for me is the reward of seeing a student who has now left the university and is in the corporate world; because you see a completely different person. It’s rewarding because you realise that you were part of that metamorphosis that happened.”
What have you enjoyed about 2015 – our ten year anniversary?
“I’ve really enjoyed the improved team-work amongst staff, as well as a closer relationship with management. Somehow they [management] came closer this year.”
What are you looking forward to at the university?
“I’m really looking forward to seeing vision2020 becoming a reality.”
Name: Ronelle Plaatjes
Dept: Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) – Student Academic Development
Position: Acting Senior Manager
What has been your highlight during the time which you have been at NMMU?
“I don’t like to look at life from an event point of view. But for me, what always stands out is the human potential - the idea that we are here to support students to realize their dreams and help them to make their dreams come true.”
What have you enjoyed about 2015 – our ten year anniversary?
“I’ve enjoyed how the anniversary has brought a fresh vibe and new way of thinking and doing things.”
What are you looking forward to at the university?
“I look forward to seeing silos being broken, around how we practise and how we think. I hope mindsets can be changed in how we deal with teaching and learning issues.”
Name: Meleze Bantwini
Course: BPharm
Year: 1st
What have you enjoyed about NMMU thus far?
“What has stood out for me is definitely how diverse the campus is. When I got here people were very welcoming and nice. It doesn’t matter what race, background or culture you come from.”
What are you looking forward to at NMMU?
“I look forward to actually being in the field and doing practical stuff. I feel like NMMU is a great platform for that.”