Abstract
“To be ‘in charge’ is certainly not only to carry out the proper
measures yourself but to see that everyone else does so too; to
see that no one either wilfully or ignorantly thwarts or prevents
such measures. It is neither to do everything yourself nor to
appoint a number of people to each duty, but to ensure that
each does that duty to which he is appointed.”
Florence Nightingale, Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not
has done for the University and for this country. It is a rather fitting quote for a
leader of our time, both in education and the nursing health profession.
Prof Marie, a woman who has made a huge mark in academia and health,
leaves UJ this year as she enters retirement, and so we saw it fitting to pay
homage to this indestructible structure that has been a part of the institution
from as early as the 80s.
She believes wholeheartedly in furthering the mission of equality for women
in South Africa and in the education space. She is a firm believer in keeping
one’s house in order. She is a self-starter. She is a pioneer in her own right. She
is a leader. She is one of the best administrators in the country. Indeed, few
women in our time can match the achievements of Prof Marie.
Under her watchful eye, the University has managed to proudly place itself
among the top institutions on the African continent, as well as globally.
Merging the administration processes of our three legacy institutions could
not have been a small feat, as each one came with its own way of “doing”
things. Prof Marie took on the challenge as UJ’s first Registrar and executed
her responsibilities of helping the University find its new identity as “an
international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the
future”.
I’m sure I speak for the whole UJ community when I say we at UJ wish her well
in her retirement. May you enjoy these golden years, and may they be the
most memorable as you reap the fruits of your labour.
And to Prof Kinta Burger, who will take over as UJ’s Registrar, we wish you
the best of luck, and offer our support as the UJ community as you fill these
undoubtedly big shoes.