By Ngubenyathi Mtshazi, Bachelor of Social Sciences student
Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela hosted various staff members and family to celebrate long service and Arbour Day on 4 September.
The celebration, held behind Helen Joseph residence, not only highlighted the importance of planting and preserving indigenous trees but also celebrated the 22 retirees about to leave the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网.
Arbor Day gives people a way to contribute to the achievement of a green, dignified and healthy environment. As such, it was only fitting for this day to coincide with the celebration of the retirees for their loyalty and lasting service to the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 community.
In a heartfelt speech, Dr Mabizela touched on the transition of the retirees as they now embark on a journey of new possibilities. “Our greatest strength as an institution is the quality of the staff,” he said.
“One of the greatest privileges of a Vice-Chancellor is that he receives all of the accolades about the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 and is commended for being a great leader. Deep down in my heart, however, I know that this institution is what it is not because of a Vice-Chancellor but because of every one of you,” Dr Mabizela thanked retiring staff members.
Manager of HR Operations at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, Herman Saayman explained that a tree represents a symbol of hope and life, which he compared to the role that the staff members have played in their long service to the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 community.
The retirees who had a tree planted in their honour, were:
- Mrs Lynette Bodill
- Prof Jonathan Lancaster
- Mr Nzame Tleki
- Mr Malusi Mzangwa
- Mr Lulamile Marangxa
- Mrs Auria Soyeye
- Ms Eleanor Anderton
- Mr Jeffrey Qubuda
- Mr Zwelakhe Ralo
- Mrs Nomvula Miya
- Mrs Buyiswa Manyati
- Mrs Lydia Botha
- Ms Nozithembiso Kolweni
- Mr Danisile Booi
- Mrs Sylvia Armstrong
- Mr Thobile Nontyi
- Prof Marius Vermaak
- Prof Alan Hodgson
- Mrs Fiona Still-Drewett
- Prof Daniel Wylie
- Mr Patrick January
- Ms Liziwe Fosi