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SPU bids farewell to Mr Rathnum Naidoo after six years as its University Registrar

From left to right: Professor Andrew M. Crouch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Professor Aifheli Gelebe, Head of School: Natural and Applied Sciences; Mr Hollie Clarkson, Member of Council; Mr Rathnum Naidoo, Outgoing University Registrar; Ms Stella Mosimege, Member of Council; Mr Goolam Akharwaray, Member of Council; Mr Nyawo Gumede, Chair: Institutional Forum

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) recently hosted a farewell dinner to wish Mr Rathnum Naidoo well upon his retirement after more than six years in the role of University Registrar. Mr Naidoo took up the position at SPU in September 2015 and returned at the end of December 2021, but remained at SPU in an advisory role until 31 March 2022.

During the dinner on 29 March, tributes were heard from SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Andrew Crouch, Office of the Registrar staff representative Ms Annemarie van der Nest, Council Member Mr Hollie Clarkson, and (in absentia) SPU Chancellor Judge Steven Majiedt, Council Chairperson Judge Violet Phatshoane and Deputy Chair of Council Member Ms Jennifer Glennie.

“Mr Naidoo is a steadfast and straightforward, dependable, respectful, and supportive team player, and a stickler for detail,” Prof Crouch said. He commended Mr Naidoo on working well with a lean team to strengthen governance and being able to “steady the ship” during his tenure, and thanked him for his work in overseeing the implementation of SPU’s highly successful online application and registration process.

Ms van der Nest, representing staff members in the Office of the Registrar, shared fond anecdotes about her many years of working with Mr Naidoo. “When the University, and our unit, was still finding its feet, Mr Naidoo’s wisdom and leadership brought a much-needed sense of stability and security, and a confidence that we could do this thing.” She thanked him for helping the Office – and the individuals working in it – to grow from strength to strength. “He ‘watered’ us with advice and let us grow our own solutions to problems.”

Mr Clarkson applauded Mr Naidoo’s “sterling work ethic” and achievements as Registrar. “The past almost-seven event-filled years that Rathnum has been Registrar have coincided with a period of rapid and enormous growth, development and burgeoning success for this young university… On behalf of the University Council, we wish you every future happiness and good health.” He then read tributes in absentia from Judge Majiedt, Judge Phatshoane, and Ms Glennie.

“This is a sad goodbye indeed,” Judge Majiedt said. “I have not only gained immense respect for your tremendous intellect, vast experience and indefatigable energy, but I have also grown very fond of you on a personal level… You leave an indelible legacy and a solid foundation for [the new SPU Registrar] Dr Jody Cedras to build on. Go well, my dear friend.”

Judge Phatshoane said it had been an honour to work with Mr Naidoo. “What a great pleasure to note the invaluable contribution you made, and the commitment you have demonstrated towards the success of the University.” She thanked him for guiding the Council on many compliance matters during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and for agreeing to delay his retirement on two occasions when asked to do so by Council. “We thank you for being a tireless professional and a dedicated employee of the University.”

During his speech, Mr Naidoo thanked everyone for their kind words. “I am grateful for all in attendance, I was part of a strong team… I especially want to thank the Vice-Chancellor for his kindness, quiet diplomacy and support, and the Council for trusting me and relying on me.”

Sol Plaatje University thanks Mr Naidoo for his years of service during such an important and formative time for SPU.

We wish you all the best on this next leg of your journey!

From left to right: Dr Cobus Rademeyer, Acting Head of School: School of Humanities; Professor Aifheli Gelebe, Head of School: Natural and Applied Sciences; Mr David Kanguwe, Chief Operating Officer; Ms Annalene Marais, Chief Financial Officer; Mr Rathnum Naidoo, Outgoing University Registrar; Professor Andrew M. Crouch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Ms Nicole Morris, Dean of Students; Dr Jody Cedras, Incoming University Registrar; Professor Amasa Ndofirepi, Acting Head of School: Education

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