It is said that one of the greatest compliments an academic can receive is to be recognised and acknowledged.
Lerato Mohalajeng, a lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty and Economic and Management Sciences and Enactus faculty co-advisor, has been named the 2022 National Faculty Advisor of the Year by Enactus South Africa.
This is in recognition of her dedication to contributing to socio-economic development through her entrepreneurial action in Enactus and her distinguished mentorship and coaching of students involved in the Enactus team.
Described as a visionary leader, Lerato contributes immensely to the development and entrepreneurial journey of Enactus members.
She lives by the words “Action with small results is better than great plans with no action”, and it comes as no surprise when the following was said about her.
“Lerato truly walks the extra mile – she drove all the way to Stilfontein at the beginning of the year after hearing that the Enactus gazebo was at an alumnus’s house. After locating it, she revamped it and had it ready for the Enactus team to use during orientation week.”
The staff members at Enactus also agree that she deserves this award because she is a true Enactus advocate, both on and off campus, and does not hesitate to use her own resources for the team’s activities.
Her mentorship is shaped by the Enactus ethical code, she always encourages students to think further and bigger, and it is easy to see why she is considered a role model for girls and women everywhere.
No stranger to receiving accolades, she was also named the National Administrator by Enactus in 2021 for her leadership and professionalism in dealing with issues pertaining to Enactus and the NWU team.
Lerato is living proof of the saying that it is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution which leads to a clear path to happiness.
About Enactus
Enactus is an international network of students, academics and business leaders who have committed to creating a better world through innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a platform for individuals willing to make a meaningful contribution to their communities, and who are working together to provide their communities with entrepreneurial opportunities for systematic sustainable impact. The organisation mobilises university students around the world to use the knowledge gained in the classroom to address real-world business and economic issues in their communities.
Enactus Societies are active in 2 064 universities across 33 countries. In South Africa, 27 universities spend their time converting ideas into action as they work to improve the livelihoods of others through their Enactus societies.
This year the NWU Enactus team progressed to the semi-finals of the National Enactus Competition and was recognised among the top 10 teams.
More about the National Faculty Advisor of the Year award
This award includes an all-expenses paid trip with the National Enactus Champions (CUT) to Puerto Rico for the International Enactus Competition against top universities from 33 countries across the globe.
Enactus recognises a faculty advisor as an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the past academic year, by advancing entrepreneurial learning at their university through mentoring and coaching students involved in the Enactus team.
The judging criteria for this award focuses on distinguished mentorship, project guidance, entrepreneurial skills development, contribution to the growth of the particular Enactus society and its students on campus, as well as the development of students to become socially conscious entrepreneurs that contribute to sustainable development.
Handing over the award to Lerato is Mr Mashego Mashego , Harmony Gold Mines Ltd Executive Director and Enactus South Africa NPC Board Director.
