Living out core values is not just encouraged at the North-West University (NWU) – it is celebrated. On 22 May, the university hosted a recognition and rewards ceremony to acknowledge staff and students who embody the spirit and excellence of the NWU.
Now in their third year, the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards acknowledge those who go above and beyond as ambassadors for the university. At this year’s event, held at the ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg, 13 exceptional individuals received awards across eight categories.
For their contributions to building the image of the NWU both within the university community and in the broader public sphere, each recipient received a trophy and a cash prize.
They were nominated by their peers. Fellow staff and full-time students across all three NWU campuses submitted the names of those who had either featured in the media – whether in traditional outlets or on digital and social platforms – or had been observed consistently embodying the university’s values throughout 2024.
Prof Bismark Tyobeka, vice-chancellor, said the NWU was honouring staff and students who have made kindness a strategy, who regularly go the extra mile and believe that doing good is not just an act, but a culture.
“Some of you uplifted your teams, quietly carrying the load when no one was watching. Others lent your voice, wit and wisdom to tell the NWU story to the world, leaving the university sparkling a little brighter – thanks to you.”
Instead of saying “That is not my job”, these heroes ask “How can I help?”, he said. “That is what would be called being extraordinary on an ordinary day.”
The special guest speaker at the event was Siphiwe Moyo, international keynote speaker, author and organisational development facilitator.
And the winners are …
Social Media Personality (for exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms) – Prof Kapil Moothi (staff member, Faculty of Engineering) and Okuhle Mdlamza (student).
Traditional Media Personality (for exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio) – shared by staff members Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane (Faculty of Health Sciences) and Prof Pierre-André Viviers (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences).
Exceptional Media Coverage (for an upsurge in media exposure during a period of seven to 14 days) – Dr Monray Edward Williams (staff member, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).
Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate (for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness) – Prof Sanette Brits (Faculty of Health Sciences).
The Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award went to Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane (Faculty of Law).
The NWU Silver Wings Award (for embodying the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity) went to staff members Dr Kezell Klinck (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences), Angeline Marokoane (Corporate Relations and Marketing) and Rachel Masemola (Faculty of Education), and student Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu.
Dr Monray Edward Williams and Dr Kezell Klinck also shared the overall Ambassador Award.
Finally, Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) and Jim Molautsi (Student Life) received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award, a discretionary award by the vice-chancellor to a member of management who has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values.
To watch a video of the event, visit: https://youtube.com/live/fOib9el9JfE?feature=share
Click here for pictures of the event.
The recipients of this year’s Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards. From left are Dr Kezell Klinck, Prof Kapil Moothi, Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Angeline Marokoane, Prof Sanette Brits, Okuhle Mdlamza, Jim Molautsi, Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout and Rachel Masemola. In front are Dr Monray Williams, Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu, Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane, and Prof Pierre-André Viviers.
