My 2012

Reflecting back on 2012, I have mixed emotions when looking at some of the events that occurred during this year. Great trials and setbacks came with huge success and victories and it is these times of triumph that I look back fondly and realize yet again that we are only given obstacles that we can cope with.

Fashion Shoot with Donovan Roets Photography celebrating my 40th birthday

Firstly I would like to thank Marina Alberts, who in 2012, has been with the Northwest School of Design for ten years. During her time, she has set and maintained an incredible benchmark and set a strong and formidable foundation for future students and her peers. It’s with great appreciation that not only I thank her but I know all the graduates and current students agree with me in that without Marina, NWSD would not have grown from strength to strength.  I am looking forward to the next 10 years with Marina by my side.

Another staff member I would particularly like to single out is Lisa de Villiers. She was given the great task of overseeing the Pilot Group for the new course Bachelor of Consumer Science Fashion Management and Communication.  Lisa has done so with enormous success and passion. She was appointed and accepted the challenge with open arms. Her passion and fervor for her students is clearly evident in her work, and together with her willingness to grow, she has personally and professionally gone from strength to strength.

Lisa de Villiers and the First year BSc Students 2012

I would also like to thank all my members of staff for their invaluable input and sacrifices for the college and the students. It is with this great compliment of staff that we produce the quality and discipline seen in all the students of the NWSD.  I am astound when I look back and can appreciate how well we all work together.  Even through deadlines, trials and tribulations, we’ve managed to have fun, laugh, diet and cry together.

NWSD Staff on the Annual Graduation Fashion show 2012 Red Carpet

In 2012, NWSD went from FET to HET, and this transition was flawlessly accepted by all students. In addition to this, NWSD also submitted applications to both the Council of Higher Education and the Department of Education. It is with a sense of assurance that I’m happy to report that the accreditation processes are on track and moving along as planned.

Clicking through the Facebook activities and albums of the past year, I cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgic contentment and joy. Events like the Advertising Fashion show held at Rustenburg Waterfall Mall earlier this year brings up a fond memory of teamwork and fun. Another was the “Work Through the Night” and “Oscar Day”. It is in these times that work becomes fun, and a family-like bond exists between the members of NWSD.

Advertising Fashion Show

 Work through the night

Our Annual Spring Cleaning day

NWSD First Annual Fashion Talk

Our NWSD Graduation Fashion Show served as an opportunity for students to showcase both their technical and creative abilities. As I looked at the garments from design to runway, not forgetting fittings and un-picking, I am witness to the growth and achievements students have made since the start of the year, and I cannot help but be overwhelmed with pride.

This year we were also very fortunate to have had our New York based Lecturer, Prof. Alexis Brouwer visit us right here in Klerksdorp. Her arrival was met with huge excitement. Apart from experiencing local activities like a safari, Alexis also enriched the lives of both staff and students with her lecturing classes. She brought an enormous wealth of expertise and knowledge to the classroom. We look forward to her next visit…

Prof. Alexis Brouwer visits NWSD

On Safari with staff and Alexis Brouwer

As we bid farewell to our graduates this year, I want to encourage you to stay strong in the foundations set for you, not only by the NWSD, but also by yourselves. I would like to wish you all the best for your exciting careers, wherever it may lead you. In addition I would like to implore you all to stay in contact with us, so that in future the NWSD may follow your career and achievements.

Sadly, this year has also been endured with loss.  Henriette, Ouma Sarie and Abe, who have all been dear to me, my family and NWSD. 

Abe, better known to the Class of 2010 as Marlene’s blue-eyed boy, will always have a special place in NWSD’s heart.  

In Loving Memory of Abe van Deventer

Overall I look back at the year with a sense of achievement. This achievement was not always met with ease, and now, more than ever, I am certain that it is in the great trials that one learns to appreciate victory. This year has brought tremendous trials and we faced them to obtain even bigger victories and blessings.  I look forward to the next year and all the growth potential it holds for us at the NWSD.

Lastly I would like to wish all and sundry a blessed festive season with family and friends. May you all experience a time of peace and rest over this period. If you are travelling, I wish you safe travelling mercies and an enjoyable New Year.

Until we meet again…

Marlene