Retirees' Lunch adds sparkle to milestones

30 October 2024 - Wits University

Farewell to friends, mentors and leaders who have been an integral part of Wits' story and mission to build a better South Africa and reimagine the world.

It was a bittersweet afternoon as the 2024 retirees celebrated this life's milestones at the annual Retirees’ Lunch on 25 October at the Origins Centre.

Wits Communications asked Witsies to walk down memory lane and share their time at Wits.

Willie Mpfuni, 41 years of service

I joined Wits in 1983 and became a full-time employee in 1984, working as an assistant chef at Bozzoli Hall near the cricket fields. My journey took me to the Top of the Town, a revolving rooftop restaurant at University Corner now known as the Es'kia Mphahlele Building. Diners would enjoy beautiful views of the city as the restaurant gently orbited. I loved the atmosphere and the many university events we hosted.

In 2000, the winds of change blew through, and I faced retrenchment when the University outsourced non-core functions. Undeterred, I continued as a contract employee, returning to my beloved kitchens until I was insourced again in 2017. I am currently a supervisor at Highfield Dining Hall and have been fortunate to connect with countless students, offering guidance and support during their university years. Hearing their gratitude as they graduated filled me with pride.

Now, as I prepare to embark on a new chapter of travel, I cherish the memories made and the relationships forged. I leave with immense gratitude, especially knowing Wits helped fund my son's  studies in mechanical engineering studies. 

Prof. Maryna Steyn , almost a decade of service!

I joined this vibrant community in 2015 as the Head of the School of Anatomical Sciences, a role I held until 2020. What a privilege it was to lead this incredible team. One of my proudest accomplishments was establishing the Human Variation and Identification Research Unit.

Our mission is to unravel the mysteries of human variations and its practical applications, especially in forensic anthropology. Assisting in the analysis of unidentified remains has been both challenging and rewarding. Over the past decade, I’ve cherished the research our group produced and the success of our postgraduates.

I will deeply miss my colleagues and students. What I won’t miss is the hectic commute from Pretoria!

Though I have a few unfinished projects with colleagues near and far, I’m excited about what lies ahead. I plan to spend quality time with my husband and grandchildren, travel, play tennis, and indulge in birdwatching. I’m forever grateful for my time at Wits and all the memories.

Jill Pillay, three decades at Wits

My journey at Wits began in November 1991 at ICT, then known as CNS (Computer Network and Systems).

At my first interview with Henry Watermeyer (the towering Director of CNS), I immediately knew that Wits was where I was going to settle down. The buildings, however, looked cold and uninviting, but I soon grew to embrace it.  The management team has since changed many times, but I am confident that the current team is moving uphill in leaps and bounds.  

Over the past 33 years at Wits I’ve had such diverse job descriptions, the memorable ones being software/hardware support providing training of various packages and meeting such diverse cultures.  I branched into Networking which was a great learning curve for me. I took over the role of administering the Cibecs backup solution for staff, and that role came to an end when the contract was cancelled.  I was given the opportunity to embark on a stimulating new project which has already taken off, but sadly my time at Wits is now coming to an end. I have mentored many staff members during my time and hope that I have imparted a good chunk of my knowledge to the colleagues I leave behind.

What will I miss about Wits? Those “cold” buildings, now quite upgraded and modernised, and its inhabitants have grown on me.  Sharing in the excitement of all the new students during O week has always been a blessing.  Only a Witsie will be able to relate.  I will miss the interactions with my colleagues.

Now that I will have more time on my hands, I plan to venture into pottery which has always intrigued me.  The vast internet world also has plans for me. 

Come December I will leave with a full heart. I’ve met such honourable and gentle people – those memories will forever be etched in my heart.

#WitsForGood