The NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, through the Office of the Campus Chief Director, recently hosted a Campus Connect Breakfast bringing together staff members, academic leaders and student representatives for a morning of reflection, alignment and renewed commitment to institutional excellence.

The event held at the Tsebonokeng Hall provided a strategic platform for Campus Chief Director Andiswa Msi and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, to outline the future direction of the institution.

In her address, Msi highlighted the importance of prioritising people in all aspects of campus operations and service delivery.

“Our vision for the Vanderbijlpark Campus is clear: we are building a campus that is focused on people’s needs, well-being, and success. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, delivering reliable and responsive services that meet the expectations of our community, and nurturing a staff complement that is professional and proud of their contribution.

She added that campus leadership remained dedicated to unity, people-focused leadership, and operational excellence. The meeting also served as an opportunity to formally welcome new members of the university’s leadership.

Reflecting on the start of the academic year, Prof Mphahlele spoke about the need to cultivate a culture of excellence and shared responsibility. He provided an overview of recent milestones, including the successful Campus Welcome Day, which brought together students, staff, and parents in a strong display of unity and community spirit.

He also commended the Student Campus Council (SCC) for hosting a seamless Campus Orientation Day and wished lecturers well as they embark on the new academic year.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration across all sectors of the university, Prof Mphahlele acknowledged the vital role played by support departments in advancing the institution’s academic mission.

Reaffirming the campus’s student-centred direction, leadership emphasised that every operational, academic, and research initiative is deliberately geared toward enriching the student experience and strengthening graduate success.

“The Vanderbijlpark Campus remains committed to aligning its support services with the core academic project so that teaching and learning, research and community engagement are enabled through agile, responsive and people-focused operations. The academic project thrives only when it is carried by capable and committed support departments that understand their role as partners in student success,” said Prof Mphahlele.