The North-West University (NWU) honoured its exceptional staff at the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, held in Potchefstroom on 20 November.
More than 150 staff members received recognition for their outstanding contributions to the university’s key focus areas of teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation.
Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, congratulated the award recipients. “Your work elevates the reputation of the NWU and exemplifies our aspirations. You remind us that excellence is a deliberate choice, sustained through rigour and conviction.”
He added that the university finds itself at the forefront of an era in which artificial intelligence, data-driven systems and rapidly evolving technologies are redrawing the global academic landscape. “Yet amidst this seismic shift, one element remains clear: the primacy of human intellect, our curiosity, our judgement, and our imagination.”
Prof. Tyobeka says the NWU has chosen to confront this new epoch with purposeful intent. “The establishment of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub stands as a clear assertion that we will not be spectators to change, but architects of the future. We are elated that our AI Policy and Strategy, now approved by Council, signals a university prepared to lead nationally and internationally with seriousness and purpose.”
NWU celebrates the best in teaching and learning
The university recognised top-performing lecturers across its faculties in eight categories for advancing teaching and learning excellence.
This year’s University Teaching Excellence Award (UTEA) recipients were Dr Nisa Ayob and Prof. At Lamprecht.
Dr Chilombe Banda and Dr Annemarie Wentzel each received an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award. Prof. Kery Malherbe and Jessemaine Manickum received Teaching with Information and Communication Technology awards.
The recipients of the Novice Teacher Award were Dr Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer, Dr Brigitte Language, Kgomotso Mathope, Dr Jaco Meyer, Amogelang Moila and Dr Jennifer Sheokarah.
The university presented Professional Staff awards to Dine du Preez, Robyn Bunt, Martie Mostert and Refilwe Matsie.
The Team Teaching Award went to Prof. Elma Marais, Prof. Carisma Nel and Dr Rochelle Marais Botha, as well as to Dr Cornelia Schrek, Lulama Mabala and Dr Yolanda Stevens.
Staff honoured for excellence in community engagement
Nine champions of community engagement received recognition across four categories. They are Prof. Mduduzi Cele, Prof. Lebogang Katata-Seru, Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje, Prof. Rhyme Setshedi and Prof. Zimbili Zondi.
Dr Louise Bezuidenhout and Dr Lucinda Sutton received the Engaged Research and Innovation Award, while Dr Kezell Klinck and Marinda Neethling received the Scholarship of Engagement Award and the Discipline-based Outreach Award respectively.
Researchers shine through expertise
Prof. Marius Nel and Prof. Christa Rautenbach each received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Prof. Fazel Freeks earned recognition as the Most Productive Senior Researcher at the NWU, with Prof. Oladipo Olalekan David and Prof. Ruan Kruger being placed as first and second runners-up respectively.
The university presented the Most Productive Emerging Researcher Award to both Prof. Surani Horn and Dr Alexander Samuels.
Prof. Dimitr Bessarabov, Dr Johannes Erasmus and Prof. Kapil Moothi received recognition for their national and international memberships.
The university presented Top Inventor awards to Hanno Bijzet, Prof. Henning Krieg, Nico Mans, Heinrich Peters, Shriya Roopa and Derik van der Westhuizen.
Dr Mariette Fourie and Prof. Anné Verhoef each received an Innovation Impact Award, and Thembinkosi Magagula received the Creative Output Award.
The university awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal to Nina du Toit (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences), Padiso Matsole (Faculty of Health Sciences) and Janie du Preez (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences). Margaretha Erns of the Faculty of Engineering received the S2A3 Bronze Medal.
Faculty Teaching Awards recognise excellence across faculties
The annual Faculty Teaching Awards, one of the flagship initiatives of the NWU, celebrate outstanding lecturers across the eight academic faculties at the university. The Centre for Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the various faculties, leads the initiative, which highlights the commitment of the NWU to cultivating an environment in which teaching and learning thrive.
Earlier, exceptional academics received Faculty Teaching Awards from their respective faculties. These awardees represent the highest standards of commitment and quality in teaching, and the university proudly acknowledges their dedication.
