Mariétta van den Worm, Director: Faculty Management, and Suzette Els, Personal Assistant to the Dean, have been with the Faculty of Science and Stellenbosch University for the past 25 and 34 years respectively. Both will retire at the end of 2025.

Their footprints are deeply embedded in the story of the Faculty of Science and will remain visible for many years to come.

More about Mariétta van den Worm

Mariétta joined the Faculty of Science as faculty manager in the Dean’s office in 2001 – at the time the first position of its kind at SU. Over the next 25 years, the established new management structures that are today key to the optimal functioning of a highly complicated and diverse academic environment. This includes financial and academic administration oversight, management of research facilities and upgrading of infrastructure spread over 14 buildings on campus, and innovative recruitment initiatives. 

According to Prof Louise Warnich, Dean of the Faculty of Science from 2014 to 2024, Marietta epitomises the saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. 

“Throughout student protests, fires, water shortages, and the unprecedented challenges of COVID, she consistently demonstrated resilience and unwavering commitment. Nothing seemed to derail her. Rather, she ensured that the faculty’s financial and operational affairs remained steady and well managed, regardless of the circumstances.

“Her enthusiasm, deep institutional knowledge, and remarkable insight into the workings of the faculty have made her an invaluable colleague. It has been a true privilege to work with someone of her calibre, and I will always remember her with great appreciation,” she adds.

This appreciation is echoed by Prof Eugene Cloete, former Vice-Rector: Research and Postgraduate students and Dean of Science from 2009-2012: “Mariétta was my right-hand person in every sense of the word. Her responsibilities were vast and critical to the faculty’s success. Her ability to manage these diverse and demanding tasks was nothing short of sterling. Her deep institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment were invaluable to me and the entire faculty.” 

Colleagues also came to know Marietta as someone who would never hesitate to step in when a plan or an extra pair of hands was needed — from centenary celebrations to open days and even a student seeking career advice. In 2021, she was awarded a Chancellor’s award for excellence. 

More about Suzette Els

The epitome of professionalism. A truly exceptional individual with a wonderful sense of humour.

These are just some of the praises heaped upon Suzette Els, who joined Stellenbosch University in the media division of the then Buro for Continued Education (Buro vir Voortgesette Onderwys) in April 1992. By 1998 it became the Uni-Ed Division under Prof Jan Botha. During this time, she was frequently called upon to “stand in” for personal assistants in the rectorate, often for months at a time, including the likes of Prof Russel Botman and Prof Walter Claassen. 

According to emeritus Prof Botha, since 1998 they had worked together for nearly ten years in the same office, before Suzette was "called up for higher service" - first as regular stand-in in the Office of the Vice-Rector (Teaching): "During those ten years we did not clash even once! This was largely due to Suzette's remarkable people's skills. It is only with respect and appreciation that I think back today to those years of amicable collegiality, and I specifically remember her integrity and loyalty," he writes in an email.

On 1 April 2008 she started as personal assistant to the late Prof Doug Rawlings, then acting dean, followed by Prof Eugene Cloete (2009-2012), Prof Louise Warnich (2013-2023), and lately Prof Bertie Fielding (2024-).

According to Prof. Cloete, she managed his diary with exceptional care and professionalism: “Her meticulous planning of my international travels was truly remarkable. She prepared the most detailed, minute-by-minute itineraries that made my journeys effortless and enjoyable. I could confidently step onto a plane with the itinerary she prepared, knowing that every detail had been taken care of.

“She is a truly exceptional individual and the epitome of professionalism in every aspect of her role. The warm and welcoming way she received visitors to my office ensured that they always felt comfortable and valued,” he adds. 

Beyond her professional capabilities, she also brought a wonderful sense of humour to the office: “I fondly recall her playful references to her Toyota Tazz as her ‘TT’ when planning road trips to visit family. This light-heartedness, combined with her unwavering professionalism, made her a joy to work with.” 

For Prof. Warnich, Suzette’s friendly smile immediately comes to mind: “She embodies many exceptional qualities: reliability, loyalty and a sincere interest in people, to name just a few.

“Of all her strengths, the one I have valued most is her endless patience — perhaps because it complemented my own weaknesses so well!  I particularly recall a period when a member of the public phoned the dean’s office every other day, urging us to address the dangers of cell phone towers in town. With the patience of Job, Suzette would listen kindly, respond diplomatically, and then repeat the entire process again a day or two later—without ever losing her calm,” she recounts.

During all this time Suzette was a member of the Professional Secretaries Association and since 2019 of the Stellenbosch University Professional Assistant Network. 

For colleagues in the Dean’s division and the wider SU community, it was a privilege to have these two institutional stalwarts in our midst, and we wish them the very best for a well-deserved and happy retirement.