As a senior assistant in the mail room at Stellenbosch University (SU), Ricardo Isaacks ensures that thousands of incoming and outgoing letters, packages and important documents reach their destination. Having clocked up nearly 27 years' service with SU, he is well-versed in his role, which is located in the Centre of Student Administration in the Division of the Registrar.

As we kicked off May commemorating Workers' Day, we dedicate this series of articles to our staff and their important contribution to the University. We've asked Ricardo to tell us more about his job.

What does your role at SU entail?

I take my role very seriously. It's my job to handle all incoming and outgoing mail, and to ensure that important documents reach their destination. Our work is 80% similar to that of the Post Office, but with certain additional responsibilities, such as administrative tasks and dealing with enquiries. We also assist with documents during exams and for graduations. 

Prior to the pandemic, we used to dispatch 5 000 to 7 000 letters each month, including graduation mail. That's not counting the thousands of letters sent to residence first-years every year, which are dispatched by bulk mail. Nowadays, the mail is much less, as people prefer sending documents electronically. We still handle around 1 000 letters a month.

What does a typical day at work look like?

A typical day in the mail room entails dealing with enquiries and mail, including dispatching degrees. We also assist other environments in the Registrar's Division to receive or send their documents and mail. It can get pretty busy, and then it's a challenge to get everything done by the end of the day.

How did your education or past experience prepare you for this job? 

I have taught myself everything I know. Thanks to the courses and programmes of the University, I have been able to broaden my knowledge of various administrative and logistical tasks, and have managed to succeed in my work. Back then, our predecessors didn't have time to teach us the ins and outs of the mail room. So, we've had to figure it out and make sense of everything on our own.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?

I am thankful for my job, and each day I strive to do better than the day before. Every day has its own challenges, but in the end, I know I've given it my all. I enjoy helping my fellow humans, treating them with respect and listening to their stories. Every day, there's something new to share.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that few people would expect?

I am passionate about working with students, especially at football events. I am currently in charge of the admin and some logistical arrangements for an external football club, and I'm also involved in the University's staff football team. And I used to be a Maties Football coach for many years.