Mrs Anne-Marie van Heerden, Prof Sarma Yadavalli’s (HOD) secretary, retired on 31 March 2021 and was with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (at the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria) for 20 years since 2001.  She was also the administrator of the SAJIE (South African Journal of Industrial Engineering) for 10 years.

Prior to this, she worked from 1981 until 2001, for 20 years, as secretary at the Faculty of Health Sciences in the Department of Paediatrics, at UP.  She started her career at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State as the HOD’s secretary in the Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Bloemfontein, where she worked for 5 years from 1973 until 1978.

Interesting enough, her whole family was / is involved with the University of Pretoria.  Her husband, Emeritus-Prof Mike van Heerden, is involved with the course in Drafting of Legislative at Enterprises for the past 15 years. Both their daughters Yolandé Jordaan and Celesté Pretorius, obtained doctorates at UP, and their son Quintin, obtained his Masters in this Department. Their one son-in-law, Terence Jordaan, qualified as a Mining Engineer and did his MBA with GIBS, while the other son-in-law Johan Pretorius, qualified as a Civil Engineer at UP. And, their son Quintin’s fiancé Amcois Visagie, obtained a Master’s degree at Tukkies.

Anne-Marie displayed exemplary and remarkable work ethics.  The roles that she played as a secretary have really made a big difference in the work place.   She performed all her given tasks meticulously.

She is active, cheerful, industrious, honest, loyal, self-disciplined and above all broad-minded.  These are just a few of the positive qualities and personality traits that describe Anne-Marie.

We will miss her valuable contributions.  Anne-Marie always got the job done perfectly and without delay.    The department is well positioned for the new transition because of her hard work and discipline she maintained.  “Today, I am happy and confident to say that we can get on with the job without stress” – Prof Sarma Yadavalli.

The Department hosted a farewell function for Anne-Marie on Wednesday 24 March in Engineering 4. Anne-Marie expressed her gratitude towards Prof Yadavalli, the HOD, for his kindness to her over so many years.  She thanked all her colleagues at the department for their support and wished the entire staff complement of the department well in their future endeavours.

“Although I leave the Department with some sadness in my heart, I am looking forward to the next phase in my life. I will miss colleagues, friends and students dearly. However, I am planning to relax more, spend quality time with my husband, children and grandchildren and hopefully in the near future travel again and explore interesting places.” – Anne-Marie

Her contributions towards our shared success will stay in our hearts forever.   Although her leaving comes with some sadness, the sweet memories of working with her will be remembered always.  We wish Anne-Marie good luck and all the best in her new life.  The department wishes her success and happiness in her future.

Photo Gallery - Anne-Marie's Farewell