In the Department of Logistics, administrative officer Jacquin Flandorp works at the heart of postgraduate life, ensuring complex academic processes run smoothly while providing steady support to students and colleagues. Beyond the office, his commitment continues in the community, where he helps shape young lives through his leadership in local football.

What does your role at SU entail?
I serve as the administrative officer in the Department of Logistics, with a strong focus on academic administration, particularly at postgraduate level. My responsibilities include managing postgraduate applications, admissions and selection processes, assisting with registration, coordinating the master’s examination process, and overseeing research ethics applications. I’m also involved in submitting research publications, capturing and processing marks, compiling assessment information, booking venues and managing access for staff and visitors.

In addition, I handle general enquiries from students, parents and colleagues. The role sits at the intersection of students, academic staff and institutional systems, requiring constant shifts in focus and a high level of responsiveness. Clear, accurate communication is essential, as is a proactive approach to problem-solving. Whether assisting a student, supporting a colleague or resolving a system issue, I aim to go the extra mile. It is a role that blends administrative precision with meaningful, people-centred support, requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively.

What does a typical day at work look like?
A typical day for me as a departmental administrator can be quite varied. My work is largely shaped by the postgraduate academic cycle, but communication forms the backbone of each day. I start by responding to emails, meeting with students in person and taking calls related to applications, registration, funding and general queries. I also liaise with lecturers, sharing important faculty communications and ensuring information flows smoothly within the department.

Depending on the time of year, my focus shifts. During admissions and registration periods, I process applications, assist students with registration and manage admission outcomes. At other times, I concentrate on tasks such as capturing marks, submitting research outputs, coordinating ethical clearance processes, managing examination logistics and arranging venues in line with the postgraduate timetable.

There are also administrative coordination tasks, such as compiling module information, confirming responsible lecturers and identifying internal and external moderators. At times, I assist with generating departmental reports from SUNStudent. Workload peaks during key academic periods – particularly admissions, registration and graduation – but maintaining structure and attention to detail helps ensure everything runs smoothly.

How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?
After completing my bachelor’s degree at SU, I began my career in the University’s Finance Division. Over eight years, I developed professional communication skills and built strong working relationships. I then moved to the Centre for Student Administration within the Registrar’s Division, where my perspective shifted.

It was there that I began to appreciate the significance of supporting students throughout their academic journey – from their first registration to the moment they graduate. Having been a student myself, I understand that many students need guidance, encouragement and reassurance along the way. This experience sparked a genuine passion for student support.

These roles prepared me well for my current position. They taught me how to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, navigate complex systems and respond to varying needs with empathy and professionalism. Most importantly, they instilled in me a sense of purpose: to contribute positively to students’ success and to remain committed to making a meaningful difference in their academic journeys.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
I am naturally a people-oriented person, and I value the opportunity to engage with a wide range of individuals – students, parents, colleagues and visitors. Each year brings a new cohort of postgraduate students, and being part of creating a welcoming and supportive environment is particularly rewarding.

Postgraduate study can be demanding, and I take pride in being able to provide guidance and support at critical moments. Knowing that I can help ease a student’s path, even in a small way, is deeply fulfilling. I also enjoy working behind the scenes, managing complex processes and ensuring deadlines are met, often without others seeing the full extent of the work involved.

Beyond the tasks themselves, I value the relationships built over time. Many colleagues have become close friends, and the sense of trust and collaboration within the workplace is something I appreciate greatly. Being able to contribute to the department’s success while supporting others makes the role both meaningful and enjoyable.

Tell us something about yourself that few people would expect.
Outside of my professional role, I have a strong passion for community development, particularly through sport. I serve as the chairman of Burnley Football Club in Jamestown, a community initiative established in 2018.

The club currently includes two junior teams – under-11 and under-13 – as well as a senior team competing in the Stellenbosch Local Football Association Promotional League. Our goal is to create opportunities for children, youth and adults to grow, develop and strive for better futures.

I believe strongly in leading by example and investing in young people. Sport provides a powerful platform for building discipline, teamwork and resilience. By supporting these players, we are not only nurturing talent but also helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.