He took a last look at the audience standing there behind the podium at Crista Galli. It is 11 November, a warm Wednesday night. The invitation said ‘jacket and tie, but only the diehards responded to both requirements for the duration of the evening. There was a smile on his face. His eyes proud, sad, tired, living. As he walked down the stage, the audience stood up one by one, to build a single clapping to a crescendo by the hall echo.

It was his last speech as rector of the Potchefstroom Campus at a NWU Puksport year-end function. It’s his birthday, he was 49 years old and the last few years double show. Prof.Herman van Schalkwyk greeting and NWU Puksport and that a list of achievements they greet him?

The outstanding decathlon athlete, Willem Coetzer, as Sportsman of the Year by the hockey star, Celia Evans, and the ever popular Semenya who both won titles as Sportswoman of the Year. Javelin thrower Leon Laubser and high jumper Julia du Plessis respectively Junior sportsman and woman of 2015.

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