VUT celebrates Secretaries Day in style
04 October 2024 | STORY Puleng Maphisa. PHOTO VUT.
Annually, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrates Secretaries Day to appreciate and recognize the hard work and contributions of secretaries and administrative professionals to the University’s efficiency.
This year was no exception – and ohh what a fantastic event it was, filled with fun, laughter, and a spirit of camaraderie! The day also coincided with the VUT Administrators Forum annual general meeting.
During the celebration, one individual stole the spotlight: Ms. Kimberly Kempkes, Executive Administrator to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning who has had an exceptional year so far. Her tireless commitment, selflessness, and outstanding service to others led her to be a finalist at the Association for Office Professionals of South Africa (OPSA) National Administrators Excellence Awards 2024. To top it off, she was honoured with a spot in the top three finalists at the national level, a testament to her exceptional contribution to the administrative field.
The VUT Administrators Forum and the National Office Professionals’ Celebration also crowned her an Administrator of the Year 2024. Kimberly’s peers commend her for her unwavering dedication, particularly her caring nature, and her readiness to address any issue and help wherever it’s needed. Her passion for her job and her commitment to working collaboratively for the betterment of the institution have set her apart.
Having recently stepped down as Chairperson of VUTAF after serving since 2018, Kimberly has passed on the baton to Ms. Asanda Mosani, Senior Administrator to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET). Despite stepping back from this leadership role, Kimberly continues to inspire her fellow administrators with words of wisdom: “Always be true to who you are, know and understand the job you must do, and do it wholeheartedly and selflessly. Never be afraid to learn. Share your knowledge with others, for our knowledge is not ours to keep.”
Another highlight of the day was a special makeup artist’s session that truly made the event stand out. The makeup artist paid tribute to the hard work of VUT’s secretaries by creating looks that symbolized their dedication and professionalism. Each administrator was treated like royalty, with artistic flair bringing out their qualities of elegance, confidence, and resilience they demonstrate everyday.
Indeed, the day was not only a celebration of VUT’s exceptional administrators but a reminder of the essential contributions they make to the success of the university. Their work, often behind the scenes, ensures the institution runs smoothly and efficiently.