Awards and accolades

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:36:46 +0000

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 12/11/2024 - 07:36

Three rankings confirm that the North-West University (NWU) is an institution that shines not only locally but also internationally, and can stand tall among some of the world’s greatest universities.

Students can be assured that when they decide on the NWU as their preferred choice for higher education, they also choose a university that is not only known for excellence but is making an impact in addressing pressing issues in Africa.

This is evident in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) University Rankings for 2024 by Times Higher Education (THE). According to this ranking, the NWU is sixth in South Africa and 17th in Africa out of 129 universities from 22 countries. These rankings specifically assess the impact of universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges faced in the region. It considers, among other things, the impact a university has in Africa, as well as the factors such as student engagement, access and fairness, and ethical leadership.

It explores themes that include university education, teaching quality, financial strength and addressing inequality. According to the SSA, the rankings not only assess current performance, but also help universities to identify key areas where they can improve. This was the first year the NWU participated in the SSA rankings. For more information about the SSA, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sub-saharan-africa-university-rank….

Leading the way in social and environmental sustainability

The NWU is among the leading higher-education institutions locally and in Africa in responding to crucial environmental, social and governance issues. This is according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. QS published their results on 10 December.

This ranking places the NWU among the top seven out of 13 universities in South Africa, top eight in Africa out of 70 institutions on the continent, and overall 505th out of the 1 751 institutions that qualified for the ranking internationally.

The three performance lenses applied in each of the three categories are environmental impact, social impact and governance. Each performance lens is made up of separate indicators that are used to calculate a score.

The NWU was 176th for Governance, 524th for Social Impact, and 637th for Environmental Impact.

According to QS World University Rankings for Sustainability in 2025, universities must be eligible for the QS World University Rankings and the QS Rankings by Region or the QS Rankings by Subject to qualify for the Sustainability ranking.

For more information about the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025, visit https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings.

NWU excelling through research and innovation in Africa

The 2024 SCImago Institutions Rankings highlight African universities that have excelled in research output, societal impact and innovation. This ranking placed the NWU in the top 10 of its rankings – a significant achievement, as 283 universities were considered in the rankings.

The ranking placed the NWU 25th overall in their universities category.

SCImago’s three different sets of indicators (20 in total) are divided into three groups intended to reflect scientific, economic and social characteristics of institutions measured by their web visibility. For more information about this ranking, visit https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=Africa.

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:17:07 +0000

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 12/05/2024 - 09:17

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions. The collective is focused on promoting universal health coverage by ensuring excellent and sustainable patient-centred pharmaceutical services by developing, enhancing and upholding acceptable norms and standards in all spheres of pharmacy. As part of the SAPC’s well-defined quality management system, moderations ensure that the assessments conducted by registered assessors are credible, valid, fair, reliable and practical. This management system further ensures that assessments are conducted in a consistent, accurate and well-designed manner – strengthening the credibility of student achievements.

Prof Steenekamp, current director of the School of Pharmacy at the North-West University (NWU), received the “Best Moderator” award for the pharmacist intern pre-registration examination. Prof Petzer, who has been a faculty member at the NWU School of Pharmacy since 2004, walked away with the “Best Examiner” award for the professional examination (foreign candidates).

The recognition of Prof Steenekamp and Prof Petzer at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla highlights not only their personal achievements but also the ongoing commitment to excellence at the NWU School of Pharmacy. Their awards reflect the high standards of teaching, assessment and moderation that the institution upholds, ensuring the continuous development of skilled professionals in the field of pharmacy. Such accolades also reinforce the essential role of moderators and examiners in maintaining the integrity and quality of education, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare services in South Africa. With leaders like Prof Steenekamp and Prof Petzer, the NWU School of Pharmacy continues to set the standard for excellence in pharmacy education and practice.

Prof Steenekamp holds BPharm, BSc Hons (Pharmacology), MSc (Pharmaceutics), and PhD (Pharmaceutics) degrees and stepped into the role of director at the School of Pharmacy in January 2024. His special research interest focuses on the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, particle size analysis of raw materials and liquid dosage forms, and on physicochemical principles applicable to dosage form development, especially oral solid dosage forms.

In the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof Petzer teaches drug design and structure elucidation courses. He also has an extramurally funded research programme in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, with a focus on drug discovery. His research interest has been the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs, specifically for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this respect, Prof Petzer has established a research group dedicated to the design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecule therapeutics.

Prof Steenekamp received the “Best Moderator” award.

Prof Petzer received the “Best Examiner” award.

NWU Occupational Hygiene students excel at SAIOH annual conference

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:48:45 +0000

NWU Occupational Hygiene students excel at SAIOH annual conference BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/03/2024 - 10:48

The Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) at the North-West University (NWU) has once again showcased the outstanding calibre of its postgraduate students at the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference 2024. This prestigious event, which was recently held in Gaborone, Botswana, gathers top talent and professionals in occupational hygiene and rewarded three NWU students for their excellence in research, publications and presentations: Monica Young, Marelizé van Ree, and Nadia Botha.

Monica Young, a PhD graduate supervised by Prof Anja Franken and Prof Johan du Plessis, was honoured with the SAIOH Tertiary Student of the Year 2023 Award. This recognition highlights her academic performance, research dedication and significant contributions to the field.

MHSc graduate Marelizé van Ree, supervised by Dr Sonette du Preez and Prof Johan du Plessis, received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award for her publication, “Emissions and exposures associated with the use of an Inconel powder during directed energy deposition additive manufacturing”. Her article, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, sheds light on emissions and exposures relating to Inconel powder use in additive manufacturing, adding crucial knowledge to environmental health and workplace safety.

Marelizé van Ree received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award

Finally, the Best Poster Presentation Award went to Nadia Botha, an MHSc student supervised by Dr Suranie Horn and Dr Ilzé Engelbrecht. Nadia’s research poster was well received by conference attendees and judges, demonstrating the innovative work being conducted at the OHHRI.

Nadia Botha received the Best Poster Presentation Award

Prof Johan du Plessis expressed pride in the accomplishments of the students, noting that their achievements are a testament to the dedication, expertise and innovation present within the OHHRI team. According to Prof Du Plessis, their hard work is helping to shape the future of occupational hygiene and workplace safety.

“Very warm congratulations to Monica, Marelizé and Nadia on their remarkable achievements, which exemplify the NWU’s commitment to research excellence. These recognitions further establish the OHHRI as a leader in occupational health research in southern Africa.”

Marelizé van Ree received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award

The Best Poster Presentation Award went to Nadia Botha, an MHSc student. Nadia’s research poster was well received by conference attendees and judges, demonstrating the innovative work being conducted at the OHHRI.

Huge Cambridge honour for Prof Paul Smit

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:39:17 +0000

Huge Cambridge honour for Prof Paul Smit

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 11/29/2024 - 13:39

He has found a home away from home. Prof Paul Smit, associate professor for Labour Relations Management at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West (NWU), has been elected to Life Membership of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, during their most recently held governing body meeting.

Clare Hall is a college for advanced study at the University of Cambridge.

Smit has an extensive collaborative history with the United Kingdom based university, having been a visiting fellow with Clare Hall earlier in the year.

“I was first of all very blessed and excited to be awarded a visiting fellowship from 1 April to 30 June 2024 to Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Clare Hall is one of 31 Colleges at Cambridge and is a graduate college that only accepts post graduate students and visiting fellows. Life Membership to Clare Hall is for me the cherry on top of the cake! I can now return to Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge at any time without formal invitation. It creates a platform for me to continue with my research at Cambridge, it is also indicative that the Visiting Fellowship is now bearing fruit and the possibility of further collaboration between NWU and University of Cambridge over a longer period. It enhances networking and building relationships with not only the academics of Cambridge but all other Life Members from all over the world,” said Prof Smit, before adding:

“It will also enable me to identify other areas of collaboration between NWU and the University of Cambridge. The initial Visiting Fellowship would not have been possible without the financial support of NWU on all levels from my school, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, and right up to the office of our vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka. I am over the moon and will endeavour to be a brand ambassador of the NWU.”

Prof Paul Smit

Academy of Science of South Africa honours professor of Radio Chemistry as a top scholar

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:09:15 +0000

Academy of Science of South Africa honours professor of Radio Chemistry as a top scholar

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 11/26/2024 - 11:09

Nuclear technology is a powerful instrument, and research has shown that it can have a significant impact on disease prevention and treatment. An extraordinary professor at the North-West University (NWU) and specialist in nuclear technology – in radiochemistry in particular – is one of 44 leading scholars and scientists to be inaugurated as new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Prof Jan Rijn Zeevaart, general research manager in Applied Radiation at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and lecturer at both the Mahikeng Campus and Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, considers it a great honour to be counted among the best researchers in the country.

“I have been driven throughout my career to use excellent research as the basis for driving innovation that will ultimately benefit society. The application of science is very close to my heart, although some of my best science outputs have been fundamental work.”

Prof Zeevaart says he has been blessed with opportunities to expand his horizons and connected him to universities for the development of new drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) from bench to bedside.

Becoming less dependent on imports

“Through the new Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility in which the government’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has invested heavily, we are poised to make a big contribution to drug development in our country. This will enable us to become less dependent on pharmaceutical imports and capitalise on the current phenomenal growth in the radiopharmaceutical and nuclear medicine market worldwide.”

He is a firm believer in the saying by poet WH Auden that “Those that will not reason, perish in the act. Those who will not act, perish for that reason.” Prof Zeevaart says this has guided his professional career and defines his leadership style.

A career dedicated to radio chemistry

Prof Zeevaart is a bio-inorganic chemist who specialises in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy. One of the products he developed in the late 1990s was iodine-131. This is a radioactive isotope (meaning one of two forms of the same element) of iodine that is used in nuclear medicine procedures to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions. Iodine-131 still earns more than R150 million in foreign currency annually.

“There was no university in South Africa that offered PhD studies in radiochemistry. I wanted to change this. Necsa decided to start the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST) together with the NWU in Mahikeng, and I joined the team in 2010 as an extraordinary professor to promote radiochemistry in the country.”

He also became involved with the Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP) on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus in 2014, where he expanded his work in radiochemistry to include new molecules (radiopharmaceuticals) for preclinical tests.

Prof Zeevaart is currently still working primarily in applied radiation at Necsa. He is also the chief scientific officer of NuMeRi and lectures at both the NWU and the University of Pretoria.

More about the ASSAf

With the dawn of democracy in South Africa, ASSAf started to address the need for an Academy of Science entity in 1996.

The Parliament of South Africa passed the Academy of Science of South Africa Act (Act 67 of 2001), which came into force in 2002. This made ASSAf the only academy of science in South Africa officially recognised by the government and representing the country in the international community of science academies and elsewhere.

Members of ASSAf are nominated and selected annually through a final vote by the full existing membership, all of whom are leading scientists and researchers. Being chosen is considered exclusive recognition of scholarly achievement and excellence. The addition of the latest cohort of members brings the total membership of ASSAf to 730.

For more information on ASSAf visit: https://www.assaf.org.za/

Prof Jan Rijn Zeevaart

Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:07:13 +0000

Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:07

The North-West University (NWU) rewarded its exceptional staff during the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place in Potchefstroom on 21 November.

More than 130 staff members received recognition for their outstanding contributions in teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation respectively.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, congratulated the recipients. “We are honouring the dedicated and hardworking colleagues across our faculties and campuses for their cutting-edge research, innovative teaching and impactful community engagement, which are crucial pillars of our mission to connect academic excellence with social impact.”

He says the awards demonstrate the commitment of NWU staff who see education as a bridge to the communities the university serves and recognise that the NWU’s work has the power to make an impactful difference to humankind and the planet.

“These recognitions are a call to all of us at the NWU to continue fostering an ethos of community-centred excellence. We need to be inspired by these remarkable contributions to deepen our commitment to engagement, making our academic work ever more relevant and impactful as it is clearly articulated in our strategy document, Taking the NWU Forward: 2024 and beyond.”

NWU celebrates the best of the best in teaching and learning

The university celebrated leading lecturers from across the faculties in seven categories for their work in taking teaching and learning to continued levels of excellence.

This year’s recipients of the University Teaching Excellence Award (UTEA) were Prof Lida Holtzhausen of the Faculty of Humanities and Prof De Wet Wolmarans from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Adri Olivier (Faculty of Education) and Prof Lynndle Square (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) each received an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award. Elizma Visagie of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the recipient of the Teaching with Information and Communication Technology Award.

Recipients of the Novice Teacher Award included Vernique Diedericks (Faculty of Education for best portfolio), Cila Botha (Faculty of Engineering), Sheurl Davis-Esterhuizen (Faculty of Theology), Thomas Erlank (Faculty of Humanities), Dr Rosa Modiba (Faculty of Education), Dr Zukile Ngqeza (Faculty of Theology), and Nomfundo Sibiya (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).

The Blended Teaching Award went to Dr Annamagriet de Wet of the Faculty of Education.

The Team Teaching Award was presented to Dr Christiaan Bekker, Dr Christo Bisschoff, Prof Christmal Christmals, Prof Yolande Heymans, Dr Anitia Lubbe and Prof Jessica Pool, all from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Staff honoured for their community engagement excellence

Five champions of community engagement received their due in four categories. Lemogang Masethe of Marketing and Student Recruitment received the Engaged Teaching and Learning Award for her work in the Ikateleng Project. Dr Benita Taylor (Faculty of Health Sciences) was honoured with an Engaged Research and Innovation Award for her work on the Bafenyi Project, with Jéan-Pierre van Deventer of the Faculty of Engineering receiving the Novice Award in this category for his work on STRIDE.

Prof Janelize Morelli (Faculty of Humanities) was the recipient of the Scholarship of Engagement Award for the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Programme, and Bathandekile Myeni (Faculty of Humanities) received the Discipline-based Outreach Award for the School of Music Food Bank.

Tor read more about the NWU’s Community Engagement projects, visit: https://services.nwu.ac.za/sustainability-community-impact

Researchers shine through expertise

Prof Anita Pienaar of the Faculty of Health Sciences was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her expertise is in the longitudinal analysis of health, growth, physical activity and fitness in children. She also focuses on affordances of motor development and motor proficiency in children and the improvement of motor problems in children with differing needs aged 0 to 13 years.

Prof Gabila Nubong of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the NWU’s Most Productive Senior Researcher, with Prof Howard Chitimira (Faculty of Law) and Prof Anél Petzer (Faculty of Health Sciences) being the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

The Most Productive Emerging Researcher Award went to Dr Chantel Muller of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Prof Oliver Fuo (Faculty of Law), Prof Rose Hayeshi (Faculty of Health Sciences), and Dr Fortunate Phaka (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) received recognition for their national and international memberships.

The Top Inventor Award went to Prof Byron Bunt and Dr Lance Bunt from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences respectively.

Prof Erica Derbyshire (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Prof Byron Bunt (Faculty of Education) respectively received the Innovation Impact Award and the Creative Output Award.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal went to Inge Delport (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Nicola Royce (Faculty of Health Sciences). Jonathan Stephanus Troskie of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences received the S2A3 Bronze Medal.

Faculty Teaching Awards give recognition for teaching excellence

The annual Faculty Teaching Awards, one of the NWU’s flagship initiatives, celebrate outstanding lecturers across the university's eight academic faculties. This initiative, led by the Centre for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with the faculties, highlights the NWU’s commitment to fostering an environment where teaching and learning thrive.

Earlier this month, 49 exceptional academics were honoured with Faculty Teaching Awards as university lecturers by their respective faculties. These recipients represent the pinnacle of commitment and quality in teaching, and we proudly acknowledge their hard work and dedication. To further celebrate this achievement, an announcement video was created to honour the Faculty Teaching Award winners and pay tribute to their contributions to the university’s teaching and learning landscape.

The 2024 awards showcased the dedication and collaboration of various stakeholders who contributed to the programme's success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the office of the deputy dean for Teaching and Learning, faculty-appointed coordinators, academic developers, external contributors, resource providers, administrators, and the Teaching Awards Work Group and evaluation panels in faculties. Their combined efforts ensured a rigorous and rewarding process, reflecting the university's dedication to excellence in education. For a full list of all the winners visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-news/electronic…

North-West University Shines in Global Online Education Benchmarking

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:18:59 +0000

North-West University Shines in Global Online Education Benchmarking

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:18

In an exciting accomplishment, the North-West University (NWU) has received global recognition for its excellence in online and technology-enhanced education through the prestigious 2023-2024 International Benchmarking Report. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the NWU's high standards but also sets a new bar for digital education worldwide, particularly in safeguarding personal data.

What is the International Benchmarking Initiative?

The international benchmarking project started in 2019 with just ten universities and organisations determined to create a shared understanding of what quality online education looks like. From this collaboration emerged the Benchmarking Framework and Data Set, now used as a trusted tool to measure excellence across various dimensions of online education. Today, the initiative includes 24 institutions spanning six continents, with the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) as a major partner since 2021.

How is Online Education Quality Assessed?

The benchmarking framework evaluates six key areas:

1. Teaching and Learning

2. Student Services

3. Technology Environment

4. Outcome and Impact on Society

5. Diversity and Inclusiveness

6. Organizational Aspects

In the 2023-2024 cycle, participating institutions—including NWU—submitted comprehensive data through a platform developed by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU). This data-driven approach not only allows universities to critically assess their own performance but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing to improve online education globally.

NWU's Commitment to Digital Excellence and Data Protection

As an engaged ICDE member, NWU stood out during this benchmarking exercise, earning particular recognition for its Technology Environment practices, specifically in personal data protection. In a time when digital security is critical, NWU’s independent evaluation ranked it among the best institutions globally for protecting personal data—a distinction that reflects its strong commitment to data security in education.

Geraldine Meyers-Mashamba, NWU’s Manager of Quality Control for the Unit for Distance Learning, played a key role in completing the Benchmarking Framework. On 29 October 2024, she presented NWU’s success during a webinar titled “Best Practices and Research Collaboration in Online and Open Higher Education: A Benchmarking Approach.” The event drew interest from universities around the world, eager to learn about NWU’s leading practices in online education and data protection.

Addressing a global audience, Geraldine emphasised that NWU’s approach is about more than policies and procedures. “It is about building an entire ecosystem around international best practices in personal data protection.” Her remarks sparked meaningful discussions on maintaining high standards in data security, a topic that resonates with many in the education sector.

Collaboration and Global Learning

During her presentation, Geraldine highlighted the invaluable role of collaborative learning. “By sharing best practices and collaborating with universities around the globe, the NWU is not only learning and improving its own strategies but also contributing to a worldwide effort to raise standards in online and distance learning,” she adds.

A Model Institution in Digital Education

The 2024 Benchmarking Report solidifies the NWU’s position as a leader in technology-driven education. Through its active participation in initiatives like the ICDE benchmarking framework, the NWU not only sets an example for others to follow but also shapes the global conversation around digital learning standards. This commitment ensures that the NWU remains at the forefront of digital innovation and quality assurance, benefiting both the university and the students it serves worldwide.

Special Recognition for NWU’s Governance Team

The NWU’s impressive record in personal data protection is due in no small part to its dedicated Corporate and Information Governance Services team. Special acknowledgment goes to Annamarie De Kock, NWU Governance Coordinator, for her collaboration with Geraldine in submitting the Benchmarking Framework. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in showcasing the NWU’s best practices on a global scale.

The NWU’s continued pursuit of excellence in digital education underscores its commitment to creating a brighter future for students and setting new standards for the online learning community. Explore more in the full Benchmarking Report 2024 here.

NWU honours Brigadier Steven Moodley with the Chancellor’s Medal

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:55:42 +0000

NWU honours Brigadier Steven Moodley with the Chancellor’s Medal

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 10/24/2024 - 11:55

As a pillar of the Potchefstroom community, with an unshakeable commitment to quality policing, Brigadier Steven Moodley has been awarded the Chancellor’s Medal by the North-West University (NWU).

He received this honour during a graduation ceremony on 24 October. The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to people who show exceptional merit or have made significant contributions to society.

Under Brig Moodley’s watch, the Potchefstroom branch of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which he has headed since 2018 until his retirement this year, has excelled as the best police station in North West.

“I do not know what I have done to deserve this acknowledgement. For me as a police officer it is an absolute honour and privilege to receive this medal. I thank God for having given me the strength to do this job. Policing is not one of the easiest professions, but I tried my best during my career and also focused on imparting knowledge and skills to other officers I worked with. I am truly grateful for this,” he says.

Known for his legendary ability to assess situations calmly and generate suitable solutions, Brig Moodley’s excellent work has had a great impact on the NWU. The university has interacted closely with him over the past three years to address many policing challenges, specifically in the Potchefstroom and Kenneth Kaunda District areas.

One of the milestones of his policing career was the inclusion of Potchefstroom as a pilot site for the roll-out of the Safer City Project, which includes 15 police stations. This project is a joint initiative between the North West Police Service and the JB Marks Local Municipality. Potchefstroom is one of the leading branches in the implementation of this project.

Brig Moodley’s career stretches over four decades and has moulded him into a highly skilled public servant, community activist, entrepreneur, innovator and all-round leader who enabled the Potchefstroom SAPS to enhance its performance and excel through excellence.

As a community activist, Brig Moodley has put his personal brand of activism to work in the Community Policing Forums and many other community formations that include the Church Forum and Gender-Based Violence Forum. He also took hands with local businesses and the local traffic authorities to spearhead crime prevention initiatives in the central business district in Potchefstroom.

The internal SAPS community in Potchefstroom has faced many transformational challenges and uncertainties. Brigadier Moodley’s leadership has helped to address these challenges and lift members’ morale. He is a team player who has initiated several unique platforms to bring people together, including the women’s forum, the men’s forum, the junior management core and the retired officials’ meetings.

He gives credit where credit is due, for instance by reuniting retired officers during the Retired Officials’ Luncheon, celebrating their contributions to a safer society. His annual Christmas lunches also gave on-duty officers the opportunity to share in the spirit of Christmas.

With his vigorous support, members of the police community are involved in numerous community projects such as feeding schemes and community work at non-profit organisations like the PAWS animal welfare organisation.

Known as an innovator, he initiated the conversion of underutilised facilities into a gymnasium and library for the SAPS community in Potchefstroom.

Brigadier Steven Moodley receives the Chancellor’s Medal from the NWU, with him is Clement Manoko, the NWU’s executive director for Corporate Relations and Marketing.

Prof Michael Temane, deputy registrar, hoods Brigadier Steven Moodley after he was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal.

Brigadier Steven Moodley has made a significant impact through his crime prevention initiatives.

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen receives prestigious award for advancing research on rare genetic diseases

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:18:12 +0000

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen receives prestigious award for advancing research on rare genetic diseases

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:18

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen, deputy dean for research and innovation of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), has been awarded the prestigious Hofmeyr-Van Schaik Gold Medal by the South African Genetics Society (SAGS).

This is in recognition of his contributions over three decades to advancing research, diagnosis, and awareness of rare genetic diseases in South African populations.

The society presents this award biennially to one academic following a nomination and review process.

The presentation took place during a gala dinner at the Bio 2024 Congress, jointly hosted by the SAGS and the South African Society for Bioinformatics.

Prof Van der Westhuizen expressed his appreciation for this honour and extended his gratitude to the society for acknowledging the diligent efforts of his research team at the NWU, the Mitochondrial Research Group, as well as numerous national and international collaborators.

"It is truly gratifying to receive recognition for our work as a collective contribution to better understanding the genetics involved in rare and other diseases affected by energy metabolism dysfunction in our diverse and understudied African populations," he said.

About the South African Genetics Society (SAGS)

The South African Genetics Society serves as the official professional body for geneticists in South Africa. Their primary mission is to provide a collaborative platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners and stakeholders interested in genetics. They are dedicated to fostering discourse and promoting genetics as an academic discipline and research enterprise. Their commitment extends to advocating for the responsible application of genetic knowledge within civil society.

For more information about their activities, visit https://sagene.co.za/.

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen (right) receives the Hofmeyr-Van Schaik Gold Medal from Prof Clint Rhode, president of the South African Genetics Society

NWU awards honorary doctorate to Peter Chiepe for contributions to agriculture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:38:32 +0000

NWU awards honorary doctorate to Peter Chiepe for contributions to agriculture

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 10/03/2024 - 15:38

The North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate in agriculture on Peter Monametsi Chiepe during its Spring graduation ceremony on 3 October 2024. An earth scientist, businessman, social entrepreneur and farmer from Botswana, Chiepe was recognised for his contributions to agriculture, particularly in sustainable farming practices.

The NWU honoured Chiepe for his role in establishing a successful livestock value-chain company that operates across Africa and internationally. His work is supported by technological solutions, best practices and innovative in-house production systems, which have uplifted small-scale farmers across the continent. Chiepe’s contributions extend beyond business as he has walked a long path in developing a transformative agribusiness model aimed at promoting sustainability in Africa.

A dedicated seed-stock breeder, he has worked with leading global entities in the United States of America, South Africa, Australia, Brazil and Ecuador since the early 1990s. His primary focus has been on breeding and developing the American Brahman breed.

He also runs extensive ranching operations and an embryo transfer centre that exports embryos, semen and live seed-stock cattle. The centre was established to provide scientific validation for transformational models focused on advancing agricultural practices across the African continent.

Chiepe’s background in earth sciences and his experience as a social entrepreneur have shaped his approach to business development. Focusing on promoting inclusive development and uplifting marginalised communities, his goal is to create a network of globally competitive entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector who are committed to ethical practices.

His professional journey began when he founded Geoflux, a geosciences and engineering consulting firm, in 1989

His agribusiness, Champrimo, has a particular emphasis on the beef and dairy industries, catering to both smallholder and large-scale farmers.

Chiepe’s efforts have focused on improving livestock quality and integrating African breeds into commercial production. His work with the American Brahman breed, in conjunction with local African breeds, has enhanced the adaptability and competitiveness of livestock in global markets, while empowering farming communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

In his response, Chiepe expressed his gratitude for the honorary degree, acknowledging the significance of being recognised by the NWU. He described the honour as a milestone that reflects his commitment to improving agriculture across Africa.

The North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate in agriculture on Peter Monametsi Chiepe

Awards and accolades

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

NWU Occupational Hygiene students excel at SAIOH annual conference

Huge Cambridge honour for Prof Paul Smit

Academy of Science of South Africa honours professor of Radio Chemistry as a top scholar

Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise

North-West University Shines in Global Online Education Benchmarking

NWU honours Brigadier Steven Moodley with the Chancellor’s Medal

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen receives prestigious award for advancing research on rare genetic diseases

NWU awards honorary doctorate to Peter Chiepe for contributions to agriculture

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards