Birthdays

Congratulations!

2 to 8 June 2009

• 2 Prof Caroline van Niekerk
• 3 Prof Juan Bornman
• 4 Cornel Botha
• 4 Salome Geertsema
• 4 Gaylen Sales
• 5 Tilla Boshoff
• 5 Alda Claassen
• 5 Stefan Els
• 5 Akhona Madyibi
• 6 Dr Bernard Jansen van Vuuren
• 7 Dr Benda Hofmeyr
• 7 Jacob Mkhwebane

Births

Congratulations to Lizette du Plessis (Student Administration) and husband, Dereck, on the birth of their first-born, Vashti, on 29 May. Vashti was born through emergency Caesarean and weighed a mere 1,6 kg, resulting in her having to stay in hospital for ± 8 weeks to gain strength. All is well with mother and daughter and we wish them all the best.

A tribute to Mrs Emily Groenewald



On behalf of the staff of the Department of Communication Pathology we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Emily Groenewald. Emily was a beloved colleague, friend and lecturer. After working together for so many years we feel as if we have lost a family member and her passing is an indescribable loss to us as staff members.

Emily obtained her BLog degree in 1971 from the University of Pretoria after which she worked as a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist as well as research assistant for many years.

She obtained the degree MLog in 1976 from the University of Pretoria. She had been employed by the University of Pretoria since 1990, initially as research assistant and part-time lecturer and then as full time permanent lecturer.

Emily was a valued colleague who had specialist knowledge in her field – knowledge no one else possesses. Her many scientific research articles that were published in accredited journals as well as presentations at national and international congresses and workshops set her apart as brilliant researcher who had the ability to convey solutions to others in a logical manner.

Her unique qualities were valued by her students who regarded her as role model and mentor and to them she is therefore irreplaceable.

Our hearts go out to her husband, Piet, and her children Schalk and Idette during these difficult times. We pray that they would find strength from Above and courage to face every day.

Mr Speelman Mathibela says goodbye


Speelman with one of his farewell gifts

Speelman Mathibela, Clerical Help, Faculty Management, retired at the end of May. We asked him a few questions:

What did his work mean to him
He was grateful for his work because he could support his family. Due to his work, he could provide education for his children (daughters Anah, Mpho, Noria and son Sam).

What are his plans after retirement
He is taking a rest with his wife, Elizabeth, and will decide what he is going to do later on.

His message to the Faculty
Since 1976 he has had no complaints or problems with the University. He is thankful for the good cooperation from everyone he worked with over all these years. It was a tremendous privilege to work for this institution and he will miss all.

Speelman also thanked the Faculty for their generous contribution towards his farewell gifts.