Over the years, Shanaaz van der Schyff became the quiet anchor of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Image by Shelley Christians/UWC.

For 42 years, Shanaaz van der Schyff quietly lived the meaning of what it is to work at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Titles or accolades did not define her time at the university, but rather her presence, which made people feel seen, heard, and cared for. She was the person students and colleagues turned to – not for big decisions - but for something even more valuable: comfort, calm, and genuine connection.

“I just want people to remember how I made them feel,” she said. And they do.

During an interview with the University’s Media Office, people walking past her window couldn’t help but wave or greet her — and she waved back every time, smiling. “That’s what this place is like,” she said.

You form real connections. In her office, as the personal assistant of the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and  Sciences (EMS), people didn’t just find a staff member. They found a listening ear, a warm laugh, and someone who would always make time - no matter how full her day was.

Her UWC story started in 1984, when her father, who worked as the University tailor, arranged for her to attend an interview. Nervous and unsure of her Afrikaans at the time, she didn’t even realise she’d landed the job until later. That first post in Food Services taught her how to connect with people, and how to be present and kind.

When that department closed years later, she considered leaving UWC, but on the final day of applications, she submitted her application for a post in EMS. 

“It was one of the best decisions of my life,” she says.

Former Dean Prof Christopher Tapscott,  Dean of EMS Prof Michelle Esau, Shanaaz van der Schyff, former Dean Prof Kobus Visser and Acting Dean of EMS Prof Derek Yu. Image: EMS

Even love found her at UWC — or, more specifically, through a squash court misunderstanding. An acquaintance couldn’t make his squash match and asked her to cancel. The man on the other end wouldn’t accept the cancellation. “You have to come,” he said. “I’ll teach you.” She snuck out of the house to go. One game led to another… then coffee… then marriage.

Today, Shanaaz and Anwar van der Schyff have been married for 38 years. They’re the proud parents of three children and grandparents to two — the same grandchildren whose voices gave her pause one morning.

“Granny will be able to fetch you,” said a little voice.

“No, but when? I want you to fetch me now. I want you to fetch me every day.”

That small, emotional exchange planted a seed. Later that morning, parked outside the EMS building, she looked up at the place that had shaped so much of her life and asked herself: “Why should I not?” 

And in that quiet moment, standing outside the office she had called home for decades, she knew.

She picked up the phone and called Anwar. “I’ve just realised I’m done.”

To which Anwar replied: “I’ve been wondering this week when you were going to tell me. But I couldn’t say it. It had to be your decision.”

Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Though she decided in 2024, she chose to stay on a little longer to support Acting Dean Professor Derek Yu during a transitional period — a gesture he appreciated deeply. 

And for her?

“Oh my gosh, it was the best decision,” she beams. “I’m so glad I stayed a little longer.”

Known for his quiet work ethic, Prof Yu marked her upcoming departure in a way that felt deeply personal. 

“I blocked off the entire day in my diary,” he said. “As a joke… but not really.”

When Shanaaz saw the funny words, “Derek on strike to refuse working on 30 June to say goodbye to Shanaaz,” written in his Google Calendar — while working from home that day — she realised the weight of the moment. “I cried,” she admitted.

Prof Yu captured her impact best: “She reminded us that you can be professional, reliable, and still bring kindness. She led by example. Think before you speak. Listen more. And make space for human connection — because that’s what makes a place work.”

On 17 June 2025, the faculty held a farewell celebration in her honour. Colleagues came in numbers. But it was Professor Michelle Esau, the Dean of the Faculty, who couldn’t hold back the tears.

“Shanaaz, I’m going to miss you,” she said, voice breaking.

“In my seven years as Dean, I never once found you moody or withdrawn — and if you were, you never showed it. I’ll miss popping next door just to share something small. You always made time for others, no matter how busy you were.”

Image: EMS

And what happens on the first day of retirement?

The tears start to fill her eyes.

“The tissues had to come out. Oh my word — I didn’t think about the day after! You plan so much for the goodbye… but then there you are, and it’s done.”

Now, she’s looking forward to slow mornings, unhurried walks with Anwar, and something she's never had the time to do: fetching her grandchildren every day.

Her time at UWC may be ending, but her presence — and the love she poured into this place — will linger in the smallest of ways: in a greeting at the office, in a laugh shared in the hallway, and in the many people who felt a little more human because she was part of their day.

She didn’t just work at UWC. She gave it her heart.