North-West University (NWU) student Chrismarie Grundlingh has been selected as one of the “10 of the Finest” GradStar achievers for 2025, placing her among the country’s top emerging leaders recognised for workplace readiness and leadership potential.
Grundlingh, a final-year BCom Industrial and Organisational Psychology student on the Potchefstroom Campus, received the award at the GradStar Awards ceremony held in Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg, on 3 December 2025. Her achievement follows a rigorous national selection process that drew more than 7,000 entries from over 25 universities and institutions across the country.
The GradStar programme identifies the top 100 students nationwide based on attributes such as adaptability, leadership without authority, learning agility and problem-solving abilities. The assessment includes a four-phase judging process that narrows thousands of entrants to the Top 500, then to the Top 100 and finally to the prestigious Top 10.
According to the official release, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by recognising students who demonstrate both academic capability and strong employability traits. It also allows finalists to participate in employer-led workshops, a hackathon, networking events and mentoring sessions hosted by leading companies across various sectors.
Chrismarie Grundlingh’s recognition forms part of a broader institutional achievement. Nine NWU students secured places in the Top 100, reflecting the university’s continued strength in developing future-ready graduates,” said Hloni Putsoane, an employer engagement specialist from the NWU Career Services and Alumni Relations department.
GradStar founder Laura Barker said the awardees represent “a new generation of trailblazers… students who are rising above today’s challenges to lead with vision, courage and purpose.”
As part of the programme, all Top 100 students are paired with experienced business mentors and gain access to the Rising Star Summit, an annual leadership conference that prepares finalists for career entry and professional growth. Many former participants have secured employment through their involvement in the programme.
Grundlingh’s placement in the Top 10 positions her among the most promising young professionals entering South Africa’s workforce, reinforcing the NWU’s reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities.
Hloni Putsoane and Chrismarie Grundlingh
