What does your role at SU entail?

My role as Senior Coordinator: Delegations and Diplomatic Corps Liaison at SU International is about people, relationships, and making sure things run smoothly when the University hosts or engages with international delegations and members of the Consular Corps community of Cape Town. In essence, I work with colleagues across the University to plan, coordinate and execute official visits for meaningful and professional engagements – whether that’s welcoming foreign government representatives to campus or connecting international partners and those seeking formal links with the University. 

A big part of what I do involves coordination and communication. I help put programmes together, manage correspondence, advise on protocol and etiquette, and make sure that visitors experience SU as the professional, welcoming institution it is. 

At the same time, I work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that visits are meaningful and aligned with the University’s broader goals, particularly around internationalisation and partnerships. Thus, my work supports SU’s internationalisation agenda and helps create spaces where collaboration, connection, dialogue and mutual understanding can take place. 

What does a typical day at work look like?

I don’t have a ‘typical’ day at work, which is one of the things I enjoy the most about my role. 

Some mornings start quietly at my desk, catching up on emails and filing, finalising schedules, or drafting briefing notes for an upcoming visit. Other days may begin with a bit more energy – welcoming guests to campus, accompanying them to meetings or making sure everything is in place for an event.

My days often involve a lot of moving parts and liaising with different teams, from faculties and divisions to external partners. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, so being flexible while remaining calm and thinking on your feet is essential. While it can be busy at times, there’s a real sense of satisfaction when a visit goes well, and everyone leaves feeling that their time at SU was worthwhile.

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

Looking back, a lot of what I’ve done along the way has prepared me for this role, even if it didn’t always seem that way at the time. My academic background in international studies and history helped me develop strong communication, research and organisational skills, while my professional experiences taught me how to navigate complex environments and work with a wide range of people.

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of paying attention to detail while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. Working with diverse stakeholders – each with their own expectations and priorities – has taught me the value of patience, clear communication and mutual respect. Most of all, I’ve learned that listening carefully and being responsive is often the key to building trust and making things work smoothly.

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

The people. I believe SU is made up of dedicated, passionate colleagues who genuinely care about what they do, and that makes a huge difference. I really enjoy working across different faculties and divisions and seeing how everyone contributes, in their own way, to the University’s success.

I also enjoy representing the University to the outside world. It’s rewarding to be part of conversations where new ideas are exchanged and relationships are strengthened. Seeing how the work done at Stellenbosch connects to broader regional, continental, and global contexts reminds me that what happens on campus really does matter beyond our immediate environment.

SU’s blend of tradition and forward thinking is another aspect I appreciate. It’s a place where history is respected, but where there’s also room for growth and change.

Tell us something about yourself that few people would expect.

My personality type is ENFJ-A (protagonist), and people are sometimes surprised to learn that outside of my work, I really value quiet and personal time. Given the formal and outward‑facing nature of my role, I enjoy slowing things down whenever I can – whether that’s through gaming, reading news articles, or simply having time to think and reflect.

I’m also very much a family man, and spending quality time with my loved ones is something I deeply value. Family keeps me grounded and gives an important perspective to everything I do. That balance between a busy professional environment and a supportive home life helps me show up at work with focus, empathy and positive energy.