Change is part and parcel of Benita van Zyl's work at Stellenbosch University (SU), which is also why she never gets bored. Van Zyl works at the Centre for Student Communities as ResEd manager, ResEd coordinator for the amaMaties cluster, as well as residential head for Serruria residence.

In the month of Workers' Day, we feature some of our staff and their part in keeping the wheels turning at our institution. Van Zyl took some time to answer a few questions about her role at SU.

What is your role at Stellenbosch University?

I have overall responsibility for developing, supporting and managing all cluster initiatives, and I also coordinate amaMaties cluster and manage Serruria. Further responsibilities include developing and managing staff as well as student leaders in the clusters, planning long-term staffing and furniture needs, and overseeing changes to physical cluster facilities.

I collaborate with cluster staff, the ResEd coordinators, residential heads and PSO coordinators on a daily basis. In addition, I serve on various task teams and working groups at SU and am currently the Student Affairs chair looking at PSO students' campus experience and needs. Crisis management is the order of the day and includes dealing with queries from students, parents and colleagues.

What does a typical day at work look like?

I am constantly involved in discussions and planning, and in evaluating and reflecting on processes and procedures along with my colleagues. Every day includes e-mails, online meetings, telephonic queries and WhatsApp messages. I also assist students in crisis, give study advice and motivate students who are on the verge of dropping out.

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

I taught secondary-school Geography for 14 years and was one of 12 teachers who started Monument Park High in 1989. I also taught at Curro Private School in Durbanville and at DF Malan High. In 2002, I was appointed programme coordinator for the BPAHons and MPA programmes on SU's Bellville Park campus. In 2008, I transferred to Stellenbosch as ResEd coordinator for the amaMaties cluster and residential head of Serruria, and became ResEd manager in 2015. My Sport Science studies, love of sport, and competing at the highest level, give me the energy to cope with this challenging environment.

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

No two days are the same. This type of work is synonymous with change. I get to see how students grow as people and as leaders, and how much they appreciate it. I am grateful to the director of our division (Pieter Kloppers), who has confidence in my ability to do my job and offers me the opportunity to take initiative. The support of my husband (Christie) and two children (Tinneke and Tiaan) helps me succeed in my work. To me, my work is actually more of a lifestyle.

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?

Interacting with students and colleagues (now mostly online), doing research on higher education, the ability to work flexitime and receiving acknowledgement from students make every day worthwhile and inspire me to assist and support again and again. When residential heads and colleagues express appreciation for our work, it also motivates me. Tuning in to global conversations online allows me to think innovatively. I have also spent this time finishing an article and a book chapter.

Tell us something about yourself that few people would expect/something exciting that few people know about you?

I obtained sporting colours from SU in 1998 and earned my Springbok colours in netball in 1992. In 1995, upon South Africa's return to the international sporting arena, we finished second at the Netball World Cup tournament in Birmingham, England. I was able to successfully conclude my netball career as captain for South Africa in 1997. In March 2018, I obtained my master's degree in Curriculum Studies cum laude. I also love tackling the waves on my stand-up paddleboard and exploring the outdoors on foot.