Mafumane Thlapi

Prof Leenta Grobler, an academic in the North-West University (NWU) Business School, was announced the recipient of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers’ (SAIEE’s) President’s Award during the institute’s annual award function on 11 March 2022.

This prestigious award recognises significant contributions in any sector of electrical, electronic, telecommunications and computer engineering in South Africa.

Prof Grobler was recognised for her contributions and achievements over the past two years in the field of digital health. During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, she became one of the most visible engineering figures in the medical device development space. A true trailblazer, she made her mark – from contributing to thought leadership and product development in various forums, to tackling the effects of the pandemic head-on.

She became the director and CEO of the NWU spin-off company, Med-E-Hive, and also developed the TjopTjop mobile application used to collect health screening information of thousands of school children and mineworkers during the pandemic.

For her initiatives she was presented with and nominated for various awards, including an international award from the Covid-19 Innovation Challenge of the United Nations (UN) Africa Innovation and Investment Forum 2020. She was also selected as a top-five finalist in the category Public and Private Service of the annual Accenture Rising Star Awards in 2021.

Prof Grobler says she is honoured and humbled to receive the President’s award.

“I was speechless after the announcement. I am thankful that I get to do what I love and make a difference in the process of doing so.”

About SAIEE

The SAIEE, a non-profit organisation with approximately 6 000 members, is South Africa’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology, and aims to foster an interest in the engineering profession. 

Its members are engaged in a full range of engineering activities, including academic research, manufacturing, electronics, telecommunications, measurement and control, mining, and power infrastructural services.

Prof Sunil Maharaj, past president and fellow of SAIEE presents the President’s award to Prof Leenta Grobler.

Photo: SAIEE Website