Awards and accolades

NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:02:00 +0000

NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:02

Prof Conroy Cupido’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his latest triumph at the kykNET Fiesta awards – often dubbed the "Oscars" of South Africa's arts festivals – in 2025 is another feather in his already illustrious cap. These awards are a ceremony that recognizes excellence in the performing and creative arts in South Africa and are presented to productions from the six largest Afrikaans arts festivals in the country .Originally from Cape Town, Prof Cupido became the first South African to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and opera from the University of North Texas. Now the director of the North-West University (NWU) School of Music and Conservatory, his crowning moment came after musically directing a magnificent concert, Die Groot Finale (The Big Finale), at the Aardklop National Arts Festival.

The concert, a dazzling showcase of mostly opera works, featured the finest opera students of the NWU, all under Prof Cupido’s impeccable guidance as conductor of the opera ensemble. The performance was a proud display of the sheer talent nurtured at the School of Music, and it was not just the students shining on stage. A team of exceptional staff members, including Prof Tinus Botha, Ms Magda de Vries, Dr Antoinette Olivier and Mr Thomas Erlank, lent their expertise, creating a genuinely collaborative masterpiece. And to top it all, legendary South African singer Coenie de Villiers served as the charismatic emcee for the evening.

Though this was Prof Cupido’s third nomination, the victory marked his first win, and the celebrations have not stopped since. “We have been presenting concerts of an extremely high calibre for several years, so it is incredibly rewarding to have our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform,” Prof Cupido shared, beaming with pride. “It really affirms the excellent teaching and learning that we offer at the School of Music.”

Prof Cupido’s joy is shared by his colleagues, students and the entire NWU School of Music family. For them, this award not only celebrates a memorable concert but acknowledges the hard work, passion and extraordinary talent nurtured within the department. Over the years, the NWU’s singing students have soared, excelling in both national and international singing competitions. Many have gone on to pursue postgraduate studies at some of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, while others have carved out promising careers on international opera stages.

Among the rising stars is Khayakhazi Madlala, who, after her stellar participation in Die Groot Finale, made her debut at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in January 2025. Fellow Die Groot Finale performer Sisikelelwe Mngenela has also made impressive strides, joining Cape Town Opera as a young artist alongside Khayakhazi.

“We have always prided ourselves on producing concerts of an exceptionally high standard,” Prof Cupido shared. “To have our students’ talents and our department’s efforts recognised in this way is both humbling and gratifying.” The NWU classical singing faculty comprises of Prof Cupido, Dr Antoinette Olivier, Ms Thembinkosi Magagula and Mr Thomas Erlank. Prof Tinus Botha, associate professor in piano, regularly collaborates with the opera ensemble contributing to their success.

Beyond his academic and musical achievements, Prof Cupido is an NRF C-2 rated researcher, a director on the board of Cape Town Opera and chairs their strategy committee. He is also no stranger to recognition, having been awarded the Prestigious Award for Teaching Excellence from the NWU in 2013 and two Institutional Research Excellence Awards in 2017.

In the pic from left to right: Joshwin Dyson (Best upcoming artist & Best Actor); Alexa Strachan (Director of the Aardklop National Arts Festival); Prof Conroy Cupido; Philip Rademeyer (Best original text)

Prof Conroy Cupido.

Student a top 10 finalist in Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:29:22 +0000

Student a top 10 finalist in Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:29

Sizwe Mazibuko, a second-year BSc Quantitative Risk Management student at the North-West University (NWU), has been named a top 10 finalist in the prestigious 53rd Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.

This competition serves as a platform for the brightest economic minds in South Africa to engage with critical financial issues, fostering solutions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The competition is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing economics-related studies at recognised South African institutions. It challenges participants to explore thought-provoking questions with real-world relevance, pushing them to apply their academic knowledge to pressing economic challenges.

As an undergraduate finalist, Sizwe tackled the question: “Discuss the impact of public debt on government finances in developing economies, focusing on South Africa”.

This topic required participants to analyse the complexities of public debt and its implications for economic stability, fiscal policy, and long-term growth in developing nations, particularly South Africa. Given the country’s ongoing economic challenges, Sizwe’s insights into sustainable debt management and financial policy would have been crucial in shaping discussions at the event.

The finals are taking place from 17 to 20 February 2025, bringing together some of the country’s most promising economic scholars.

Sizwe’s achievement in reaching the final round is a testament to his analytical abilities, dedication, and passion for economic problem-solving. His success highlights the importance of nurturing young economic thinkers who will play a key role in shaping South Africa’s financial future.

As the nation grapples with economic uncertainties, students like Sizwe represent a new generation poised to contribute innovative solutions to national and global economic challenges.

Master’s student chosen for international poultry science programme

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:13:23 +0000

Master’s student chosen for international poultry science programme

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:13

There is much for Lihle Sindaku, a North-West University (NWU) MSc Agriculture student, to crow about after her selection to an international poultry programme that bridges academic study and industry insights.

Understanding the complexities of poultry production requires both research and industry exposure, which the 2025 World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) Youth Programme provides. Taking place in Pretoria from 2 to 7 March 2025, the programme runs alongside the 41st Scientific Symposium of the South African Branch of WPSA.

Specialising in animal science, Lihle’s research focuses on broiler chicken responses to incremental levels of dietary yeast-based nucleotides reared under high-stocking density.

“It is an honour and a privilege to represent the North-West University at the symposium,” she says. “I am thrilled at the prospect of interacting with industry experts and like-minded peers. Also, as an aspiring poultry researcher, I believe that this opportunity will foster valuable connections and future collaborations.”

Lihle will be joined by Nicole Moreane, an MSc Agriculture student specialising in poultry nutrition at the University of Mpumalanga, who is currently under the mentorship of Prof Kenny Mnisi from the NWU’s subject group Animal Science.

“I am very pleased to attend the symposium,” says Nicole. “As a second-year MSc candidate, this platform offers invaluable opportunities for networking and learning from renowned speakers, industry experts and peers. I anticipate enhancing my knowledge of the poultry industry’s challenges, current trends, research and innovations.”

Nicole’s research, titled “Impact of phased yeast-based nucleotide supplementation on gut function, performance, and meat quality in densely stocked broilers”, aligns with the symposium’s focus on a holistic scientific approach to poultry production.

Participants in the WPSA Youth Programme will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, visit industry sites such as feed mills and poultry farms, and discuss key industry developments. This knowledge will filter through to other students when they return to their campuses, benefitting all.

Lihle Sindaku.

Vanderbijlpark Campus shines at PMR.africa Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:17:01 +0000

Vanderbijlpark Campus shines at PMR.africa Awards

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 02/05/2025 - 08:17

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award for the 14th consecutive time at the annual PMR.africa Awards.

Awards are presented in four categories: bronze, silver, gold and diamond, with the Diamond Arrow Award representing the highest distinction in the higher education field.

The NWU has been rated as the best higher education institution in the Sedibeng district, which includes the municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal.

PMR.africa is a leading South African consultancy and research company that publishes a business journal together with an online version, serving as a vehicle for sharing the results of its various surveys. Through these surveys, companies and institutions with potential are identified and recognised for excellence across all industry sectors.

The survey assessed aspects such as contributions to economic development, managerial expertise, corporate governance, innovation levels and brand awareness. The outstanding performance of the Vanderbijlpark Campus surpassed that of numerous competitors, leading to its recognition as the top institution in the tertiary education sector.

With a score of 4,20 out of 5, the Vanderbijlpark Campus showcased exceptional qualities that resonate with the objectives of the survey. This recognition not only reflects the educational standards of the campus, but also its proactive involvement in community development and social initiatives, creating an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

The PMR.africa survey included a random sample of 100 respondents, consisting of CEOs, managing directors, business owners and local government officials, who evaluated institutions on their contributions over the past 12 months.

Johan Hattingh, the CEO of PMR.africa, said the award ceremony served as a significant platform to celebrate achievements across various sectors and encouraged institutions to strive for higher standards.

"The accolade for the best higher education institution in the Sedibeng category underscores the commitment of the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus to excellence in higher education and its significant contributions to the economic growth and development of the Sedibeng District," he said.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, remarked that the achievements of the campus stood as a testament to the institution’s excellence. He emphasised that these milestones reflect the hard work and dedication of both staff and students.

Prof Chalufu highlighted various initiatives and programmes that have contributed to the reputation of the campus, including adherence to good and ethical management practices, and contribution to the local economy through various projects such as infrastructure development and community engagement efforts. He also noted the importance of collaboration and support from the local community, which play a crucial role in the ongoing success of the campus.

"The management and staff of the NWU hope that this recognition will not only reinforce the commitment of the institution to academic excellence, but also inspire other institutions to follow suit, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the region. I encourage everyone to continue striving for excellence and to take pride in their contributions to the academic enterprise and general community building endeavours. The campus is not only a place of learning and generation of knowledge critical for social development, but also a hub for fostering leadership and personal growth among all," said Prof Chalufu.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, and Prof Babs Surujlal, executive dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, proudly display the Diamond Arrow Award.

Accounting matters: NWU's Management Accountancy students shine again

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:01:33 +0000

Accounting matters: NWU's Management Accountancy students shine again BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 01/31/2025 - 11:01

When people hear the word “accounting”, they often think of numbers, spreadsheets and meticulous financial records. But in a country like South Africa, accounting is far more than just balancing the books – it is a cornerstone of economic growth and stability. At the North-West University (NWU) we are committed to developing well-rounded, skilled professionals who prioritise accountability. And the results speak for themselves.

The NWU’s Management Accountancy students have once again demonstrated outstanding performance in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Management Case Study exams. In 2024, NWU students achieved an impressive 88% pass rate – significantly surpassing the global average of 65%. This follows a consistent track record of excellence, with 83% in 2023 (global average 65%), 87% in 2022 (global average 71%), and 85% in 2021 (global average 73%).

“These results not only reflect the dedication and hard work of our students but also highlight the high-quality education and unwavering support they receive at the NWU,” says Prof Jaco Fouché, programme leader of Management Accountancy at the NWU. “Our students’ consistent success solidifies the NWU’s reputation as a leader in management accountancy education. We remain committed to maintaining and elevating this standard of excellence, preparing our graduates for making meaningful contributions to the profession and the broader economy.”

Accounting is more than just a profession, it is a responsibility. At the NWU, we take this responsibility seriously, equipping future financial leaders with the knowledge and ethical foundation needed to drive South Africa forward.

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

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

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

by Willie du Plessis

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

Awards and accolades

NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win

Student a top 10 finalist in Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition

Master’s student chosen for international poultry science programme

Vanderbijlpark Campus shines at PMR.africa Awards

Accounting matters: NWU's Management Accountancy students shine again

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

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