Brother follows in his footsteps

Brothers Kenneth and Gerald Abrahams were presented with long-service awards for 45 and 35 years respectively, at an annual ceremony held in Smuts Hall.

They were among 48 staff members who were honoured at the special luncheon on August 19. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin West thanked each staff member for their service to the university at a function that was also attended by heads of departments, from engineering and science to student housing and administration.

Staff members with 15, 25, 35 and 45 years' service were honoured.

Kenneth Abrahams has worked in the Bindery Unit since his appointment in 1958, and was the founder member of the Workers' Association, formed in 1965. In 1980 he was elected as chairman and served on the executive committee of the Staff Association until 1990.

In his eulogy, West said that, together with his brother, Gerald, Kenneth had been responsible for the Bindery being moved from upper campus to its present location at Hiddingh. This was because lecturers (who were using the nearby lecture halls) complained about the "disturbance" they created by constantly singing at the tops of their voices!

The brothers were also famous for the many sumptuous braais and lunches they organised for their colleagues.

Kenneth was the only staff member to be honoured for 45 years' service. Staffers who received awards for 35 years were: Keith Hall of the Department of Human Biology, Daniel Momsen of the Department of Physics and Marilyn de Villiers of Housing and Residence Life.

UCT's Director of Human Resources, Dave van Eeden, said the ceremony celebrated the loyalty that staff members like these had shown the university.

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