The North-West University (NWU) boasts three finalists in this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. The university had a strong showing in the run-up to the awards, receiving eight nominations in the various categories.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of the finalists, who include Prof Rose Hayeshi, Prof Linda Godfrey and Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP), is a finalist for the Management Award.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be shortlisted as a finalist in the category for Management in the 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards. It is incredibly rewarding to be recognised for my efforts in leading and inspiring the PCDDP.”

Prof Hayeshi says this recognition is a testament to the amazing PCDDP team that she works with. “I am truly honoured to be counted among such a distinguished group of finalists, and it motivates me even further to keep pushing boundaries and fostering a positive and productive environment in science, engineering and technology.”

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, is a finalist for the Green Economy Award. This award is sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for circular economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

“It is an absolute honour to be a finalist. There are so many remarkable scientists, engineers and technicians working in the green economy field in South Africa. I think our goal is the same, namely to make a difference in the lives of all South Africans and to leave the planet a better place for future generations. I hope that, through my work, I can contribute in some small way to that vision.”

Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.

“It is always nice to receive recognition for one’s work. Over the past twenty years we have developed sailplanes for the international competition market and our products are currently considered to be the best in the world. Sixty per cent of all the participants used our sailplanes during the previous world championships in Hungary in 2022.”

Prof Jonker says the achievements of the product are always recognition for hard work, but it is especially delightful when one receives recognition from colleagues in the sciences.

The winners will be announced at a hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

 Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.