Jacky November, Anthea Davids and Jenny Watson is the formidable trio the Information Technology Purchasing department consists of.
These three chirpy ladies sacrificed 30 minutes of their Friday afternoon last week so I could chat to them. And although they were convinced that their lives were too uneventful to have something to say, the results of our conversation proved the contrary.
Between the three of them, they’ve accumulated 25 years of work at IT and for this reason alone, you should be convinced you’re in good hands if you need to know anything from laptops to network cables.
The main function of the Purchasing department is to handle telephonic or e-mail inquiries regarding hardware and orders and to request quotes from dealers for various components, printers, printer cartridges and desktop computers. All computers in need of repair are also received at this department.
The wide range of personalities they have to deal with, and sometimes strange inquiries, provide more than enough material for lighter moments. Unfortunately they couldn’t divulge all the details as they might get into trouble. But, according to Jenny, the saying “Never a dull moment”, describes their work environment best. She also believes the 25 years she spent in the furniture industry, has taught her valuable lessons in client service.
Jacky also dealt with her quota of difficult clients while working at an insurance company’s call centre. In spite of this experience, she still loves working with people and helping out. To such an extent that she’s currently busy with extra training as technician twice a week. Both she and Anthea have completed the N+ and A+ courses, as well as financial diplomas.
The fact that Jacky likes stand-up comedy, especially Trevor Noah’s, says a lot about her own sense of humour and possibly also her ability to take things with a pinch of salt when necessary.
“I like jokes and laughing.”
Humour and joking around is a common theme in this office. And when it comes to dressing the part, Anthea is usually the one with the best outfit – her colleagues can attest to this when Casual Day comes around each year. And she does it with enthusiasm. Anything involving fun and exercise, she’ll try.
“I’m game for anything”. Within limits of course, she adds quickly.
“At Ratanga Junction I’m the one who screams the loudest.”
In fact, she gets so excited, they pick her from the queue so she can go on rides first.
According to Jacky this excitement also becomes apparent when she animatedly starts talking to her computer’s screen – almost as entertaining as when she’s watching rugby on television.
She’s even up for the odd “foefie-slide”, but with paintball she draws the line. “It’s too painful!”
But don’t think Anthea’s the only adventurous one. During a recent holiday Jenny took to the treetops at Storms river. She did however have to buy the video as evidence to convince her children she did it. Quite impressive for someone who gets motion sickness on a swing!
Apart from this action packed part of the holiday, she made a proper historical trip over a large part of the country on her way to the Kruger National Park. The interest in history was instilled at an early age.
“If I was born in a different time, I would’ve liked to be an archaeologist.”
Places of historical interest and museums in Matjiesfontein and Graaff- Reinet were visited, as well as the Union Buildings and Voortrekkermonument. Even the “Vallei van Verlatenheid”.
Anthea will also be heading towards the Eastern Cape as representative for her church’s VGK brigade. And if you thought “brigade” had something to do with marching, you would be correct. But it’s also more than that. Her role as officer provides the opportunity to work closely with children of all ages and meet new people when traveling for competition – something she derives pleasure from.
While Anthea converses with her screen, Jacky apparently entertains her two colleagues by singing, something she used to do in her church’s gospel band. In the meantime. The phone buzzes with inquiries, but it’s swiftly dealt with between notes and laughs. Never a dull moment indeed.
For more information on hardware contact them at quotes@sun.ac.za.
