?Pieter Wever joined Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) in 1984 as part of the Finance Division, marking the start of a forty-year legacy. At the time, SU had a pool of only twenty vehicles. As the demand for more vehicles increased, the university recognised that there was a need for a more structured transport service offering. This allowed Pieter and his team to forge new pathways by establishing SU's first Vehicle Fleet Department, enabling the vehicle pool to operate as a sustainable unit by January 1995.
During his tenure at SU, Pieter has created valuable relationships with staff, suppliers, SU faculties and industry stakeholders, which have been instrumental in the department's growth. Elize Cloete from Halfway Toyota in Ottery shares: "Pieter's soft iron hand is something to aspire to. We at the Halfway Toyota group are grateful for the blessing for Pieter’s time, wisdom and his unique perspective".
What started out as a staff company car scheme in 1988 evolved into one of the most vital services to staff and students at SU. Pieter's journey with the Transport Services Department was not without its challenges, but his perseverance and calm demeanour allowed him to navigate this with ease. Known for his likeable sense of humour and approachability, Pieter has created a healthy and positive environment for staff and colleagues that will continue long after his retirement.
One of his biggest fans, Lelanie Langford, Operational Manager at Transport Services, says Pieter is an advertisement for SU. "Everyone who comes here is treated with love and respect. Whether it is the Rector or a cleaner, there is no distinction with him, he serves all and treats them the same. He has helped people to make the right choices when purchasing vehicles and, in the process, saved them money. He does business with integrity and is respected throughout the industry. We are going to miss him dearly."
Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director at SUNCOM (of which Transport Services forms part), shared his thoughts on Pieter: "After forty years of hard work and dedication, Pieter's legacy will leave a permanent mark on this division. He was always there for his staff, ready to share an encouraging word and crack a joke in a way only he could. Pieter truly treated his staff like family and could create peace in any situation. His legacy is about more than just his work, which was always exemplary; it speaks to his character, friendship and kindness".
Hein said the vehicle fleet in 1994 was sparse compared to its size today. As the campus community grew, so did the need for increased transport services and an aligned transport staff complement. "Pieter facilitated this expansion by implementing the Mobility Plan in 2013 which included the shuttle service to transport staff and students around the various campuses. Matie Bike rentals and parking management were later added to their services to encourage and promote sustainability. As the campus further expanded into new territories, Pieter and his team added additional fleets to accommodate the growing number of staff and students."
"Pieter's vision and leadership have been instrumental in the growth of this department, which now operates financially independent of the university, after its integration with SUNCOM. His contributions beyond the department include various collaborations with the motor industry and SU Logistics department. He also drove several collaborations with the Engineering Faculty, most recently, the conversion of South Africa's first electric minibus taxi by donating one of Transport Services vehicles," says Hein.
As the Transport Services department shifts into a new era, Pieter will always be honoured as a trailblazer whose legacy continues to impact SU and its ever-expanding community.
