One of my happy places is the beautiful seaside town of Stilbaai. Here I breathe and relax. And go for walks on the beautiful beach where you can get lost in your thoughts and dreams while watching the sunset from a dune. 

I thought of these walks when I wrote this message to you, especially when I see different footprints in the sand — some big, some small. Their nature, direction and depth vary, some deep, some light, side by side, some facing forward and the others going back. Here and there, a paw print. Footprints symbolise a presence and a journey, signifying the impact someone has left behind. In my mind, these footprints represent the stories we all leave behind in 2025 — achievements, resilience and, often, quiet excellence. 

Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated our outstanding colleagues’ ‘quiet excellence’ at our Annual Awards. They stood out in serving our thriving Stellenbosch University community. To them and all of you in our Responsibility Centre Operations and Finance, thank you for a successful year.

When I joined the RC earlier this year, you all welcomed me with a generosity of spirit I will always cherish. Thank you for making me feel at home so quickly, for your openness and professionalism, and for your willingness and dedication to embracing challenges and change. This has been a year of high expectations and significant institutional demands, and yet you approached every task — big or small — with poise and commitment. 

Our RC does not always sit in the spotlight, yet we are the foundation upon which the University stands. And your footprints are everywhere:

In the upgraded lecture venues, labs and new student spaces that support teaching, learning and research. In the financial stewardship that underpins stability and trust across SU. In maintenance, mobility, security, and digital systems that keep our campuses (and people) safe, connected, and working. In our collective dedication to sustainability, transformation and responsible operations. In our efforts to promote and enable a healthy and active lifestyle campus. And in our innovations and creation of an entrepreneurial university. 

These achievements do not happen by accident. They happen because of you: our staff who show up every day with professionalism, skill and heart.

I want to reiterate what I've said at the awards: "In my experience, the best efforts are often quiet but powerful, and you'll see that in today's videos. Every act of care, every carefully written email reply, and every problem solved with empathy matters and has a ripple effect. These actions turn a workplace into a community and make a university a living institution with a soul".

On Women's Day this year, I remember telling the women of our RC how we are all part of a big, beautiful garden that we need to nourish. "Just as a vibrant garden is never made of one kind of flower, our RC's garden is made up of diverse, interdependent ecosystems – a garden that is wild, different and alive with possibility." 

We are fortunate that our diverse ecosystem provides increased opportunities for mutual learning and our diverse opinions and perspectives help our team develop quality solutions for complex problems in a timely manner. A rising tide lifts all boats and our diverse team provides opportunities to attract and retain top talent to strengthen our team and ensure consistent green shoots. 

Thank you for your dedication, integrity and the pride you take in your work. Thank you for leading with service. And thank you for the footprints you have left on our various campuses — each one contributing to the journey we walked together in building a strong sense of belonging and fulfilling our purpose.

As we look toward 2026, the path ahead may bring realignments for our RC, as well as new demands and opportunities. But if this year is anything to go by, I have every confidence that we will continue to walk it with purpose.

May you have a well-deserved rest during the holiday season and thoroughly enjoy the quality time with those you love. And may the new year meet you with renewed energy, fresh inspiration and the knowledge that your contribution matters deeply.

Thank you for the year we built together. And thank you for the footprints that lead us forward, together.

Prof Nicola Smit

‘You can’t leave footprints in the sands of time while sitting down’