When Wildré Kok speaks about her role as Office Manager to Dean Prof Elmi Muller at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, her passion for organisation and improvement shines through every word. “I want to be a resource for my peers," she says with conviction. “I want to be the go-to person who not only knows the answers but can help streamline processes to make everything work better."
Now in her second year at the Faculty, Wildré has embraced a philosophy that extends far beyond typical administrative duties. Her ambition is clear: to leave every process, every system, and every interaction in a better state than she found it. “When I leave one day, the person that comes after me will have a better environment that they can keep improving," she explains. This forward-thinking approach has made her an invaluable strategic partner to the Dean's office.
Pride in the profession
What sets Wildré apart is her deep pride in choosing administration as her profession. In an academic environment where highly skilled researchers and clinicians often take centre stage, she advocates passionately for the recognition of administrative professionals. “This is our profession," she emphasizes. “It's not a stepping stone to something greater – this is what I've chosen, and I'm proud to make a meaningful contribution."
Her belief in the power of sharing knowledge drives much of her work. “There's power in sharing knowledge, sharing skills," she notes. “People feel more appreciated when their contributions are recognised and their growth is supported, and through that appreciation, they're motivated to do even more."
Global networks and professional growth
This commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing led Wildré to become the National Chair of the International Management Assistants (IMA), a global network spanning over 20 countries. South Africa is the only country outside Europe included in this prestigious 50-year-old organisation.
“Administrative staff often feel unseen," Wildre observes. “IMA provides a platform where we can pay it forward, uplift each other and advocate for our profession." Through webinars and events, she helps create a community that celebrates administrative excellence.
A journey of growth
Wildré's journey to the Faculty began many years ago with an adventurous gap year in London, where she spent two years working at the Royal College of Physicians. It was there that she first experienced the dynamic nature of a multicultural medical environment. This early exposure to healthcare administration proved prophetic, preparing her for her current role supporting a surgeon-dean.
Her formal career in personal assistance began in 2008 at the Department of Agriculture's Elsenburg campus, where she describes facing a “sometimes challenging environment." Rather than being deterred, she learned a crucial lesson: “You have the power to shape how you work, and you set the tone in your office."
This resilience served her well during her 13-year tenure as personal assistant to the Rector at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, including the challenging period following Prof Russell Botman's passing just four months after she started. “That uncertain time prepared me for anything that might come my way," she reflects.
Finding balance and purpose
The move to the Faculty wasn't just about career advancement – it was also a family decision. The role brought her closer to home, offered greater flexibility and also aligns perfectly with her degree in Office Management and Technology. “I've come full circle and I'm finally doing what I was meant to do."
What energises her most is the variety each day brings. “No two days are the same," she says with enthusiasm. “I love change, solving problems and being in the know about what's happening at the Faculty." Her role extends beyond traditional administrative tasks to building bridges between the Dean's office and faculty staff and students, serving as a crucial communication link.
Life beyond the office
Despite describing herself as “quite a workhorse," Wildré finds balance through her seven-year-old daughter, who keeps her busy with netball and tennis practice. Their evenings are filled with sports activities, while weekends revolve around quality family time. Completing their family is Lila, their golden retriever – or as her daughter calls her, “golden achiever" – who ensures they get their daily walks and outdoor adventures.
Wildré embodies the spirit of Workers' Day and her story reminds us that true success lies not just in personal achievement, but in creating systems and building relationships that benefit everyone around us.
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