The School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) has bid farewell to Mrs Shelley Donnelly and Mrs Sherry Badenhorst, two dedicated staff members whose contributions have profoundly shaped the Institution.
Both Donnelly and Badenhorst leave behind an enduring legacy of commitment to teaching, student support, and institutional growth, making a significant impact on both their colleagues and the thousands of students they guided over the years.
Donnelly, a lecturer in Finance and Acting Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning, joined UKZN in 1999 after a decade in banking and became a permanent lecturer in 2001. Over the years, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the Finance Discipline, often stepping up to lead during times of severe understaffing.
‘At times, I was the only person left in Finance to keep things afloat. I took an active interest in the Bachelor of Business Science programme and started developing a new specialisation, Investment Science, in 2016 to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of Actuarial Science,’ she recalled.
Donnelly’s passion for student success made her a go-to problem solver, ensuring that students received the assistance they needed.
‘Nothing frustrated me more than seeing students in tears because they had been shoved from pillar to post without help so I made it my business to understand university rules and processes so I could assist any student who came to me with a query,’ she said.
Beyond teaching, Donnelly took on key leadership roles, serving as a Dean’s assistant at one point and contributing to various university committees. Reflecting on her UKZN journey, she expressed thanks for her time at the Institution.
‘I was fortunate to be able to focus on Teaching and Administration, and my Dean and Head of School, Professor Mabutho Sibanda, was always supportive. I leave UKZN with a heavy heart and immense gratitude to the colleagues, students and memories that have shaped my career,’ she said.
For over three decades, Badenhorst, Teaching and Learning Administrator at SAEF, has been a guiding force at UKZN. Since joining in 1992, she has witnessed and adapted to major institutional changes, from the merger of UND and UKZN to the restructuring from Faculties to Colleges. Through all these transitions, her dedication to students and colleagues never wavered.
‘My greatest joy has been seeing students and colleagues succeed. ‘When someone comes to me and says that my encouragement helped them push through difficult times, it is the most rewarding feeling,’ she shared.
Badenhorst has been a constant source of guidance, encouragement, and support, leaving a lasting impression on the many students who crossed her path. As she steps into retirement, she looks forward to a well-deserved new chapter while cherishing the relationships she built at UKZN.
At the farewell event, Sibanda, thanked Donnelly and Badenhorst for their years of service.
‘Shelley and Sherry have been more than just colleagues – they have been mentors, advocates, and invaluable contributors to our Institution. While they will be deeply missed, their dedication and impact will continue to shape UKZN for years to come. We wish them both a fulfilling and rewarding next chapter,’ he said.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Supplied