Anja Laas

Anja started off life as a true traveller. She was born in Strand, went to primary school in Van Rhynsdorp in the beautiful Namakwaland as well as in Riebeeck Wes in the Swartland district, and finally matriculated from Tygerberg High School in Cape Town. 

In 1996 she started with a BA degree in industrial psychology at Stellenbosch University. After successfully completing her degree in 1998, Anja decided to enrol for an honours degree in industrial psychology. Five years later she was took the next big step and obtained her masters degree.

The first year the Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management was presented (2001), the course was registered with the Department of Industrial Psychology and Anja, who was busy with her masters at the time, started helping out. The initial three-month period eventually became a temporary contract and later Anja was appointed at the Africa Centre on a permanent basis.

Anja manages the academic part of the centre, including academic planning. She also assists students with enquiries about academic issues and WebCT (the online teaching portal). According to Anja, the best thing about her job is to know that the centre empowers students with so much more than just HIV and AIDS knowledge. To see how proud the students are to be Maties, especially when attending the summer school and to see them graduate, also makes Anja’s work worthwhile.

Anja’s motivation for becoming involved with HIV and AIDS work was the realisation of the immense need for more people to become involved with the battle. She believes the key element to successfully combat the epidemic in South Africa is prevention.


Words that describe Anja: soft-hearted, calm, positive, just, dutiful

Favourites:
Food: Pizza, seafood, braaivleis
Movie: City of Angels