By Gosego Phutieagae and Mafumane Tlhapi
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education hosted a special celebration to honour its most productive researchers and dedicated community engagement practitioners.
The event recognised excellence across a range of areas, including research publications, postgraduate supervision, the securing of external funding and meaningful community-based projects.
Three colleagues received special recognition for their exceptional contributions to scholarship and higher education. Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo was awarded the Special Research Exceptional Award for Emerging Researchers.
Prof. Joseph de Beer, the keynote speaker and deputy dean for research and postgraduate studies, described Dr Ramulumo as a shining star, expressing his confidence in her bright future and sharing how proud he was of her achievements.
Prof. Elsa Mentz, the former director of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning was also recognised. She is an internationally recognised advocate for self-directed learning and recipient of the International Alchemy Malcolm Knowles Award, and Medal of Honour for Lifetime Achievement of the Education Association of South Africa.
Also honoured was Prof. Lloyd Conley, executive dean of the Faculty of Education, whose visionary leadership across the Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses continues to cultivate a thriving and supportive research environment. Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus, presented a special award to Prof. Conley in recognition of outstanding leadership and service.
Prof. Mphahlele personally congratulated everyone and offered words of encouragement. He emphasised that achievements of this nature distinguish emerging academics in the institution and affirmed that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
Prof. De Beer added that the awards celebrate researchers who courageously engage with these realities. “These awards honour researchers who choose not to look away, but to look closer,” he stated, commending their commitment to pursuing solutions through rigorous inquiry and ethical engagement.
Prof. De Beer further reminded attendees that meaningful academic work must extend beyond the boundaries of the university. “Knowledge is not found only in peer-reviewed journals, but also in community meetings, in the stories told by elders, in the practices of parents, and in the voices of children themselves.”
The ceremony ultimately celebrated not only individual achievements, but also the collective commitment of the Faculty of Education to research that is compassionate, relevant, and transformative.
Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo
Prof. Elsa Mentz
Prof. Lloyd Conley
