Elmarie de Beer has been a loyal and trusted employee at UP for more than two decades. She tells Tukkievaria about the changes she has seen the University undergo over the many years, and about her professional and personal life.

“From the time I was a student at the University of Pretoria (UP) to being a UP employee today, a lot of diversity and inclusivity has been established, which is incredible to have witnessed,” says Department of Security Services manager Elmarie de Beer, who has been with the University for more than 24 years. She chats about her work, life and loves.

What is your role at UP?

I am a manager in the Department of Security Services at UP. I focus on human resources (HR), finance and electronic systems administration, and am involved in access control, ensuring that everyone on campus is able to access the different buildings electronically and with ease. I deal with many different people in various faculties who request access to buildings; I provide them with quick and efficient services right from my office.

Tell us more about yourself.

I am a proud UP alumna, having completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. After graduating, I worked in various administrative capacities, mainly in HR and finance. I am a kind, easy-going lover of people, and I am a mother. I enjoy my life living peacefully on a farm. I love shopping, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family having a braai.

One really special aspect about me is that I am extremely loyal. I say this because I was once a loyal UP student and later became a loyal UP employee. I have been a UP employee for more than 24 years and have remained a trusted employee through the many transformations and changes that the University has gone through. I enjoy sharing knowledge because I want everyone to be their best selves.

What do you love most about working at UP?

I absolutely love the space that I work in, because I meet so many people every day and can make a difference. Whether it is new staff members, students, parents, guests or service providers, it is quite interesting to meet all these people and be able to help them navigate their way through the campus.

Also, I love working with students with disabilities and helping them gain special access to different buildings on campus. It feels so rewarding to know that I can make someone else’s experience at the University so easy and enjoyable through the work I do. This creates personal relationships between myself and students.

I also appreciate the challenges of security, and seeing how it has improved through technological advancements. I have learned so many new and different ways of working within my department; this has enabled me to provide a top-of-the-range professional service that helps people get around campus quicker and more efficiently, and not have to wait for long periods to get access to buildings.

What improvements do you think can be made in your department?

I think a more integrated approach when working with people would help. We also need a more effective way of communicating within the department and the various faculties where security is concerned.

What has changed in the 24 years that you have been with UP?

There are so many things I could mention, having been with the University for over 24 years. I remember when there were no gates or fences around the campus – we now have gates with electronically controlled access. I have seen the difference and the impact of the different vice-chancellors and leaders. From the time I was a UP student to being a UP employee today, a lot of diversity and inclusivity has been established, which is incredible to have witnessed.

A few of Elmarie’s favourite things:

Favourite sport: Athletics and ballet

Favourite food: Fruit, bread and chocolate

Favourite movie: Top Gun: Maverick

Favourite actor: Chandra Wilson

Favourite musicians: Lady Gaga and Riana Nel

Hero: My grandfather