Few academics can claim a lifelong bond with a single institution; even fewer can say they helped build that institution from the ground up. Prof. Wynand Grobler stands among that rare company. As the longest-serving Economics academic at the North-West University (NWU), he has devoted an extraordinary 35 years to the lecture hall, to visionary leadership and to the relentless pursuit of excellence in economic sciences.
His career is not merely a record of service – it is a living chapter in the history of the university, one shaped by passion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to generations of students. This remarkable legacy was celebrated recently at the Long Service Awards ceremony held in the Tsebonokeng Hall at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, where he was honoured for the profound imprint he has left on the institution.
Prof. Grobler’s relationship with the university began in June 1990, when he joined as a young lecturer in Economics after a brief but formative career at the South African Reserve Bank, where he served as section head of the Capital Account. Armed with a BCom and BCom Hons in Economics from the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, an MCom and PhD from the NWU, as well as a diploma in economic impact assessment from Molde University in Norway, he arrived with both academic depth and real-world insight.
“At that time, we were only three lecturers teaching all modules to about 60 students. Today we are a unified School of Economic Sciences across three campuses. Watching that growth has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he reminisces.
His proudest personal milestone came when he obtained his PhD and was promoted to full professor. Later, in 2009, he was appointed director of the School of Economic Sciences – a role through which he helped steer the school into a new era of expansion and innovation. He speaks with particular admiration of the transformation that accelerated from 2010 under the leadership of former dean Prof. Herman van der Merwe.
Over the decades, Prof. Grobler has witnessed the world of work changing dramatically. “Technology, AI and globalisation have reshaped everything,” he says. “Graduates now need digital literacy, adaptability and lifelong learning more than ever before.” His vision for the future is clear: integrating artificial intelligence into the teaching and practice of economics so that students remain relevant in a rapidly evolving workplace.
Behind the distinguished academic stands a strong family foundation. He has been married to Susan for 42 years and is the proud father of three children – Nandre, Leandi and Shaun – as well as a devoted grandfather of seven. He readily credits his success to his wife’s unwavering support. “I am who I am because of Susan,” he says warmly.
Mentorship has been central to his career. He pays tribute to Prof. Tielman Slabbert, his PhD promoter, and Prof. Van der Merwe, his line manager for 15 years. In turn, he has guided countless young academics, encouraging collaboration and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
What has kept him committed to one institution for so long? “The chance to make a difference in students’ lives,” he reflects. “Seeing generations succeed is incredibly fulfilling. Shaping future economists has been a privilege.”
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Prof. Grobler envisions a School of Economic Sciences where technology meets societal needs, where collaboration thrives and where both staff and students feel valued and empowered.
And if he could start the journey again?
“I would do it exactly the same way – no regrets.”
The standing ovation he received at Tsebonokeng Hall was not only for 35 years of service, but for a lifetime devoted to education, leadership and the belief that universities change lives. Prof. Grobler’s story is woven into the fabric of the NWU – and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Prof. Wynard Grobler and his wife, Susan Grobler, pictured after the award ceremony, celebrating his remarkable milestone.
