The Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted its prestigious 2025 FEDU Awards, bringing together academics, professional staff, and key stakeholders from across its three campuses in a vibrant celebration of excellence.
The ceremony honoured outstanding achievements in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, reaffirming the faculty’s commitment to academic distinction and meaningful societal impact.
Held in an atmosphere of pride and recognition, the awards showcased the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams within the faculty. Beyond celebrating achievement, the event reflected the NWU’s continued pursuit of quality education and transformative scholarship.
In a notable first for the faculty, the 2025 FEDU Awards were hosted through a series of separate ceremonies across all three campuses. Each campus held its own event, an approach aimed at ensuring broader participation while also serving as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude to staff for their dedication and contributions.
A defining highlight of this year’s awards was the exceptional performance of colleagues in the School of Professional Studies in Education and the School of Psycho-Social Education, fondly known as Block B, as they share offices in Block B. Together, these schools secured approximately 80% of the awards at the Mahikeng Campus, demonstrating sustained excellence, innovation, and a strong culture of collaboration. Their dominance across multiple categories underscores their leadership in shaping both teaching and research within the faculty.
Among the standout recipients, Prof. Aubrey Golightly was recognised with awards for Most Productive Established Researcher and Most Productive Researcher in Self-Directed Learning. Dr Celestine Mayombe received recognition as a leading emerging researcher, as well as for his contributions to outreach and community-focused initiatives. In postgraduate supervision, Prof. Jan Heystek was honoured for his exceptional mentorship, highlighting the faculty’s strength in developing future scholars. At the Vanderbijlpark Campus event, two of the three top performing master’s students were recognised for their hard work and dedication to their studies.
Excellence was recognised across a wide spectrum of academic and support roles. Categories such as innovation in teaching with artificial intelligence, programme leadership, service-learning, and community engagement illustrated the faculty’s responsiveness to contemporary educational challenges. Administrative and support
staff were equally acknowledged for their vital role in ensuring the institution’s continued success.
Beyond individual accolades, the ceremony reinforced a shared vision of educational transformation. It emphasised the importance of collaboration, dedication, and professional passion in advancing impactful teaching, producing meaningful research, and strengthening community engagement. The strong showing by the School of Professional Studies in Education and the School of Psycho-Social Education demonstrates how collective effort and strategic focus can drive institutional success.
Dr Elize Küng, deputy dean for strategic relations at the Vanderbijilpark Campus said the 2025 FEDU Awards ultimately reaffirm the Faculty of Education’s commitment to nurturing excellence at every level. She added that the events form part of the faculty’s path to realise their commitment to the motto “Tshimologo” adopted for 2026. (Tshimologo is a Setswana word which refers to a (new) beginning.)
“As the NWU continues to innovate and expand its impact within South Africa and beyond, the achievements celebrated at this event serve as a powerful reminder of the university’s role in shaping the future of education,” Dr Küng said.
She added that through celebrating achievement, the faculty not only honours its top performers, but also inspires a culture of continuous improvement – ensuring that both staff and students remain at the forefront of educational advancement.
Dr Elize Küng, deputy dean for strategic relations said the 2025 FEDU Awards reaffirm the Faculty of Education’s commitment to nurturing excellence at every level.
Mahikeng Campus recipients
Potchefstroom Campus recipients
Vanderbijlpark Campus recipients
