Connecting Over Pizza and Drinks in Stellenbosch Social

On Thursday, November 27 2025, the members of the ORSSA community gathered at Thirsty Scarecrow for an evening filled with laughter, conversation, and new connections. This social event offered a relaxed atmosphere where members could unwind, share ideas, and strengthen relationships beyond their usual professional settings. The venue’s inviting ambiance and carefully curated menu set the stage for a memorable night that brought together old friends and new faces alike.

A Warm Welcome at Thirsty Scarecrow

Thirsty Scarecrow, known for its cozy yet vibrant setting, was the perfect choice for the ORSSA social and awards ceremony. Located just outside the lively town of Stellenbosch, the venue features rustic décor with wooden accents and even a captivating live painting of Mona Lisa drinking a red bull. Guests were greeted with a welcome cocktail, a bit too sweet for some, but included strawberries, which was fitting to drink as we overlooked the strawberry fields. As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a breathtaking sunset that washed the sky in warm golds and soft pinks. From the venue, the view stretched across the Stellenbosch mountains, their silhouettes deepening as the light slowly faded.

The menu at Thirsty Scarecrow played a significant role in the event’s success. Guests enjoyed a variety of shareable plates, including delicious Asian wings, assorted pizzas, and gnocco fritto. The event kicked off with a brief welcome from the organizers, who highlighted the importance of community and networking within ORSSA. This set a positive tone, encouraging attendees to engage openly and enjoy the evening.

Building Connections Through Shared Experiences

One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity for attendees to connect over shared interests and experiences. A few of the attendees had spent their day at the Logistics and operations planning workshop with Médecins Sans Frontières, and as such were sharing some of their new learnings and insights from the workshop. The relaxed environment encouraged conversations that ranged from professional insights to personal stories. Many guests found common ground in their work, sparking discussions about recent projects, challenges, and innovations.

Announcement of This Years Awards

During the social, the relaxed buzz of conversation paused for a special moment as two of ORSSA’s most esteemed awards were presented. First, the Gerhard Geldenhuys Medal, recognising an honours/fourth year-level project of exceptional quality completed in the previous year. This year, the award was presented to Charlize Kriek for her honours project titled "Location Assignment of Stores on Picking Lines."

Gerhard Geldenhuys (after whom the medal was named) with Charlize Kriek and her supervisor, Stephan Visagie.

Shortly after, attention turned to the next celebration: the awarding of the Category IV Recognition Award was announced - an award reserved for a rising operations research professional, 35 or younger and already making a significant impact in real-world OR practice. The room filled with warm applause as Kit Searle was acknowledged for his excellence and promising contribution to the field.

Linke Potgieter (ORSSA acting president) awarding Kit Searle his award.

Why Events Like This Matter

Social events like the one at Thirsty Scarecrow are more than just gatherings; they are vital for building a strong, supportive community. They provide a space where members can relax, be themselves, and form genuine relationships that extend beyond work. Networking in informal settings often leads to more meaningful connections. People tend to open up more when they are comfortable, which can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and friendships that benefit both personal and professional growth.

These events play a crucial role in strengthening the ORSSA community, fostering collaboration, and creating a welcoming environment for all members. Be sure to keep an eye out for events like these on the ORSSA events page, found here.