Welkom Campus employees enjoyed special moments spent with Prof. Henk de Jager, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the inaugural Employee Appreciation Day.

On 16 August 2019, the Central University of Technology Free State (CUT) management held the Inaugural Employee Appreciation Day at Welkom Campus to show their appreciation to employees for their dedication and hard work invested in realising the vision of CUT.

When opening the ceremony, Prof. Oupa Makola, Welkom Campus Director, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of management to celebrate the day at Welkom Campus for the first time. “On behalf of our employees, I wish to convey our gratitude to the CUT management for bringing this event to us here at Welkom. This day is intended to help us build a caring and grateful university community as well as show our support and appreciation to employees who will always walk an extra mile. I know that each and every one of you have contributed to the development and advancement of CUT in various areas of your life. Some may have done so in small yet meaningful ways, while others have gone an extra mile, we still say thank you to each and every one of you.”

Prof. Henk de Jager Vice-Chancellor and Principal acknowledged union leadership for their role played in making the day a reality. He said that the day is dedicated to all CUT employees to enjoy with management.

“Through all the challenges we have experienced, this is the day we would like to express our appreciation to each and every employee of this institution. Looking back at the past three years, it was indeed a challenging period for the higher education sector, and we would like to thank you for your contributions and support to management in steering the ship to ensure that we still have a sound university. We want you to take hands with management to promote a positive and supportive institutional culture where people are inspired, valued and appreciated. We want to create an environment that you as employees and students can truly flourish. Be assured that we care about you as the CUT family and we do not want you to face challenges on your own. We are here for you.”

At the serving station, Dr Gary Paul, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations and Prof. Oupa Makola rolled up their sleeves to serve food to employees as part of the appreciation day.

Mme Maria Latha, Welkom Campus cleaner for the past six years won the best-dressed employee prize. She said she is happy to be employed by CUT as many of her peers are still unemployed.