When the 21-year old Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was announced as Miss South Africa 2017 on 26 March, the whole of the North-West University (NWU) and all its stakeholders, cheered as one. For the first time in history, an alumna of the NWU walked away with this crown.

Demi-Leigh, who completed her BCom Business Management and Entrepreneurship degree in 2016 at the Potchefstroom Campus, now joins the already illustrious group of alumni of whom the NWU can be proud of. In 2015 Demi-Leigh represented the NWU when she was the national Miss Varsity Cup.

The NWU is justifiably proud of its alumni and recognises them for their personal and career accomplishments and for exemplary contributions to society. For many years now, alumni from the NWU have made their mark – not only in South Africa, but also internationally. The NWU is privileged to boast such a distinguished stakeholder group. The achievements of our alumni are just one of the ways of showcasing the excellence of the NWU.

“We pride ourselves in delivering well-rounded students. The accomplishment of Demi-Leigh is once again proof of how we aspire to equip our students to make a difference in whatever sphere of society they enter. Congratulations! You have made the NWU proud”, Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor of the NWU said after the announcement. The vice-chancellor’s words were echoed by Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, rector of the Potchefstroom Campus.

Demi-Leigh will be invited back to her alma mater shortly, to allow the NWU to celebrate the achievement with her.