A milestone for Wits employee and family
Former call centre agent Oliver Niewenhuys has achieved a family dream by completing a BA in Organisational Psychology and Management, with distinction.
The youngest of four brothers, Oliver Niewenhuys, received his BA degree during the 2025 autumn graduation season.
This academic journey was a personal mission – a gift to self and future generations.
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“I am from a close-knit family,” he said. “Our journey has been shaped by both challenges and resilience. After losing my father to cancer, my mother took on the immense responsibility of raising us on her own. Despite financial constraints, she instilled in us the values of perseverance and determination.”
It is this background that saw all four siblings complete matric and strive for independence. “Further education was not an immediate option for my siblings and me, due to financial limitations.”
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Joy was palpable on his graduation day, flanked by his family and partner, Bonnita, whom he describes as his never-ending source of encouragement.
Starting as a call centre agent, Niewenhuys joined Wits in 2015 at the Student Call Centre. Six years later, he transitioned to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management as a faculty administrative officer, and recently took up a position as a postgraduate faculty officer.
Fully covered by a staff bursary, Niewenhuys embarked on his studies in 2021, majoring in organisational psychology and management. His majors were ‘driven by a deep interest in understanding human behaviour in the workplace and the dynamics of effective leadership’.
“To anyone considering furthering their education while juggling multiple responsibilities, I encourage you to take the leap. The journey may be demanding, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are immeasurable. This dual perspective [student and employees] has reinforced my belief in the power of determination and the importance of continuous education.”
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