Trudy Forbay
In a tradition as old as construction itself, a team from Unisa’s Operations and Facilities Portfolio, led by Rendani Netshiozwi-Neluvhalani, joined project manager Priti Vassan Makan and the construction team on Monday to celebrate the roof-wetting of the new building that will house the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities at the Sunnyside Campus.
Esteemed guests and the construction team gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in the project – the completion of the roof. This event, known as the roof-wetting, marks the successful installation of the roof, a critical phase in any construction project.
The air was filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment as Professor Nareadi Phasha of Unisa's Department of Inclusive Education in the College of Education, the mother who birthed the concept of the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities, witnessed the realisation of a vision and commitment to inclusivity, and excellence in disability support, come to fruition.
While the contractor from Great Spaces spotlighted the challenges they experienced in the first few months of this project, Phasha added that the effort to secure funding was a triumph for the entire institution. She emphasised that disability is not confined to a single discipline but that it cuts across all areas of study and life. “The Centre of Excellence in Disabilities cannot be claimed by any one department or college,” she said. “It belongs to every member of the Unisa community.”
It is this very statement that encapsulates the definition of inclusiveness. She described the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities as a powerhouse where innovation will thrive, a beacon of collaboration offering transformative support and interventions to empower individuals with disabilities. and a catalyst for profound community impact.
The event also served as an opportunity to express gratitude. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the construction team, a small gesture for their immense contribution. This significant milestone was acknowledged by Feresane Sibeko, Executive Director: Facilities Management. He reminded the team that the ceremonial event is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of every single person involved in this project.
The celebration was a blend of tradition and festivity. After the ceremonial pouring of champagne over the roof, symbolising a blessing for the new building, the team shared a toast to the new building and its future occupants. Laughter and cheers echoed through the site as team members shared stories and memories of the construction process.
This momentous milestone marks the cohesive and collaborative efforts and successes of the team in reaching this landmark. Architects, builders, and the project team came together to honour the hard work and dedication that has gone into the building so far.
The roof-wetting was not just a celebration of a construction milestone, but a tribute to the journey so far and the exciting path ahead. With the roof now complete, the team is looking forward to the next stages of construction. It is indeed a humble recognition that the team is one step closer to turning the vision for the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities into reality. And that’s something worth celebrating!