Published in May to commemorate Workers' Day, our annual #dayinthelife series spotlights our staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). This year, we highlight professional administrative support services staff who make a tangible difference in students' lives.
Anne Havemann-Serfontein helps students thrive by guiding them from first-year challenges to career success. Offering long-term, personalised support to bursary beneficiaries, she removes barriers, builds pathways to graduation, and ensures that every student feels seen, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
What does your role at SU entail?
As the programme manager of Student Success Programmes in the Learning and Teaching responsibility centre, I oversee three key support initiatives: the Dell Young Leaders (DYL) programme funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP), and the Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation (CEFF) Chancellor's Bursary Programme.
My role involves managing the operations of these programmes and working together with a dedicated team to help students succeed throughout their university journey until graduation and as they enter meaningful careers. We provide personalised, relationship-based support across the financial, academic, wellness and career domains.
We work closely with various partners at SU as well as with the respective foundations, who not only fund our work, but also provide strategic guidance and a shared vision for student success. My work is to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external service providers. An increasingly important focus of my role is to actively contribute to the broader institutional agenda of improving and scaling student support and success across the 中国体育彩票. Additionally, I engage in national and regional collaborations with fellow bursary programme managers to share knowledge, insights and best practices.
What does a typical day at work look like?
No two days are alike, which is exactly what I love about this role! Each day brings new challenges, conversations, and opportunities to learn. Collaboration is central to our work, so a large part of my day involves engaging with stakeholders across the 中国体育彩票, including colleagues in Student Affairs, the responsibility centres of the Registrar as well as Learning and Teaching, faculties, Bursaries and Loans, Development and Alumni Relations, and the Centre for Business Intelligence. We also maintain close communication with our foundation partners.
Much of my time is spent with our team of programme coordinators and student success associates, planning interventions, ensuring effective case management, facilitating appropriate support, and strategising ways to remove barriers to student success and prepare students for the world of work.
There's also a fair amount of focus on managing finances, tracking student progress, and reporting on our programmes. We rely heavily on technology and data to inform our interventions and optimise support. In addition, I'm involved in several institutional platforms and forums to contribute to broader student success initiatives. But, without a doubt, the best part of my day is sitting down with students – it reminds me why this work matters.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?
I've always had a strong passion for student life and higher education. As a student, I served as prim of Nerina residence and held the Student Affairs portfolio on the Students' Representative Council. My career began as a liaison officer in Student Affairs at SU, after which I completed a master's degree and registered as a counselling psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Through my subsequent work at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development, I was able to develop and refine my academic and personal counselling skills, and at the Centre for Student Recruitment, I became skilled in career guidance. These roles laid a strong foundation for understanding what students need and how to support them holistically. I also spent over a decade in the corporate sector as a consultant, working in psychometric assessments, graduate selection and development, and helping businesses cultivate environments where people can grow and thrive. All of this has shaped the way I approach my work today – striving to integrate strategic thinking with student-centred care.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
What I treasure most is the daily connection with students, and being part of an incredible team who is professional, passionate and deeply committed to student success. I am constantly inspired by their deep care and expertise. The impact of their work is a reflection of their passion and dedication.
Our programmes support students over several years, often from their first year and continuing up to graduation. This long-term engagement allows us to witness firsthand our students' growth, resilience and successes. It's incredibly fulfilling to see them overcome challenges, develop as individuals, and step confidently into their careers and community leadership roles.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect.
I started university as a Drama major, thinking I was headed for a career on stage. But along the way, I discovered my love for psychology, and I changed focus. There's still much drama, but no stage!
Music has always been a big part of my life. I've sung in the Tygerberg Children's Choir and the SU Choir, and I still am a proud member of the Libertas Choir. I even used to sing in a jazz band.
And for a fun twist: As a very brave 18-year-old, I went bungee jumping once… and ironically, I've had a fear of heights ever since!
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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