Awards and accolades

Alumnus receives Hope Bearer Award for exceptional contribution to social work

RONEL ROSCHER — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:07:55 +0000

Alumnus receives Hope Bearer Award for exceptional contribution to social work

RONEL ROSCHER Wed, 04/02/2025 - 14:07

In a moment that left both her and her colleagues in awe, Suanne de Bruyn, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated social worker at Lerato Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award. This award celebrates her tireless commitment to improving the lives of children and families, especially those dealing with trauma and adversity.

Suanne’s journey in social work is deeply personal. Having faced her own challenges and traumas as a young person, she discovered the power of empathy and support, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. Her personal experiences shaped her understanding of the importance of emotional healing and the value of having someone to listen, a foundation that has driven her work as a social worker.

After graduating from the NWU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Suanne immediately immersed herself in the field, gaining hands-on experience at various institutions. She has now spent seven years in the profession, continuously impacting the lives of children in need of care and support.

The Hope Bearer Award, which De Bruyn received for her work in the Vaal Triangle and West Rand area, was especially meaningful given the emotional challenges she has faced in her career. "The award came at a point where I was questioning if I was doing enough for the children in the children’s home," she shared. A traumatic incident had left her feeling uncertain about the difference she was making, but the recognition reignited her passion and reminded her of the impact she has had on the children she serves.

The moment Suanne found out she had won the award was one she will never forget. She had been invited to a radio interview where she was surprised with the announcement, which was made live. Overcome with emotion, she could barely speak as the realisation set in that her hard work and dedication had been recognised by her peers and the community.

"Receiving this award was a turning point," she said. "It gave me the hope I needed to continue, to know that I am making a difference even on the tough days."

Known for her unwavering passion, Suanne has always been lauded for the dedication and love she pours into her work. Her colleagues and the children at the CYCC have consistently praised her for her empathetic approach, whether she ’is working with children who have faced trauma, collaborating with other professionals, or supporting her fellow social workers. She believes that her passion for the work is what sets her apart as a social worker, and it is this very passion that has earned her this prestigious award.

The Hope Bearer Award will have a profound impact not only on Suanne’s personal career but also on her future endeavours. The recognition has opened doors for her to collaborate with other organisations and professionals, providing greater opportunities to support the children she serves. In addition, she is now a public face of social work for the "ONS" shop, a community shop of Solidarity Helping Hand in Meyerton, a role that further amplifies the important work being done in the field.

Looking forward, she hopes to continue broadening her knowledge and skills, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. She is also committed to mentoring future social workers, especially students from the NWU, encouraging them to display the same passion, empathy, and creativity that have defined her own approach to the profession.

As a mentor, her advice to young social workers and students is simple yet profound: "Social work is not easy, but the wins are forever. Even small positive changes can have a lasting impact on a child's life. Always do what you do with passion and for the love of social work."

NWU alumnus Suanne de Bruyn was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award.

Prof Jacques Petzer honoured as Best Examiner by SAPC

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:41:57 +0000

Prof Jacques Petzer honoured as Best Examiner by SAPC

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/02/2025 - 09:41

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in academic excellence as Prof Jacques Petzer, professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been recognised as the Best Examiner in professional exams for 2024 by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).

This prestigious honour celebrates Prof Petzer’s dedication, expertise and years of contributing to ensuring high standards in professional pharmacy examinations. Having served as an examiner since 2012, Prof Petzer has played a key role in evaluating foreign-qualified pharmacists, ensuring they meet the standards required to practise in South Africa.

“It has always been the goal to set a high-quality examination that evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply pharmaceutical knowledge rather than reproduce specific knowledge,” Prof Petzer said.

“The main challenge is to set an exam that assesses the core concepts of pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry – of which a candidate should have a deep understanding, rather than specific textbook knowledge. Many candidates are practising pharmacists and have been exposed to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry only during their undergraduate training.”

Prof Petzer shared his surprise and gratitude at receiving the recognition, emphasising that it serves as motivation to continue his commitment to the field. “The accolade gives recognition for the numerous years that I have been involved with the professional examination, while also representing the privilege of being part of the task team,” he stated.

Beyond assessing examinations, Prof Petzer works with a task team that is dedicated to maintaining and upholding professional pharmacy norms and standards. His expertise ensures that future pharmacists are well-prepared to serve communities with excellence.

“The aim of the professional examination is to uphold acceptable norms and standards of pharmacy practice by evaluating the ability of pharmacists with foreign qualifications to apply pharmaceutical knowledge in the practice environment.”

In accepting this honour, Prof Petzer says he is privileged to be a member of the NWU community. “The NWU has provided me with the opportunity to follow an academic career path and has greatly supported my research activities,” he concluded.

As the NWU celebrates this outstanding achievement, the Faculty of Health Sciences continues to produce innovators in the field of pharmacy. With his award-winning contributions, Prof Petzer remains a pillar of academic excellence.

Prof Jacques Petzer is an active researcher in the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen ™) and his research interest focuses on the design of small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Academic earns spot in global grant programme

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:33:58 +0000

Academic earns spot in global grant programme

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 13:33

Articulating the social value of her research is a key priority for North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who has been selected for a top global programme on cutting-edge grant-writing and related skills.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area at the university, has been chosen for the 2025 Leaders of Africa Institute’s Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Programme.

The programme equips researchers with advanced grant-writing skills, stakeholder engagement strategies and resource mobilisation techniques. It builds on the Leaders of Africa Institute’s Research Methods Programme and supports the objective of fostering an international research community.

Prof Babalola expressed her enthusiasm over her acceptance to the programme. “Since yesterday, I have been speechless. I can't wait to begin this journey. I am ready to mobilise resources for social impact.”

She highlighted the support accompanying her selection. “The acceptance comes with a prestigious impact scholarship to support my training.”

The GWF Programme focuses on identifying the cost of research and articulating its value to stakeholders and society. It is open to researchers, lecturers, graduate students, institutional administrators and social innovators worldwide.

Prof Babalola leads the NWU’s Microbial Biotechnology subject group, which has produced 25 master’s and 35 PhD graduates. She also serves as vice president of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, overseeing operations in 46 African countries.

Her research focuses on rhizosphere microbiology and integrating beneficial microbiomes into agriculture. Her work supports food security efforts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger.

With more than 350 research outputs, Prof Babalola is making an impact on the scientific community and agricultural sustainability, and the grant will ensure she continues to do so.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:34:22 +0000

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:34

On 30 March, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and fostering global action towards waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and environmental preservation.

South Africa is making progress in waste management, with experts such as Prof Linda Godfrey leading the charge in research and innovation within the waste sector.

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the remarkable, award-winning work of Prof Godfrey, whose research focuses on waste and circular economy science.

She is the Manager: Circular Innovation SA, the Principal Scientist: Circular Economy, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and an extraordinary professor in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Prof Godfrey received the prestigious 2024 NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award of the NSTF-South32 Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.

QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:35:33 +0000

QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/14/2025 - 10:35

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences, physics and medicine. QS published these rankings on 12 March 2025.

Although the NWU does not have a medical school yet, it offers subjects that fall within the medicine category. It is envisaged that the NWU Medical School will enrol students from 2028.

The 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked the NWU in the 301 to 350 category for agriculture and forestry. This subject group also featured in the same category in 2024. Environmental sciences and physics are in the 501 to 550 and 551 to 600 categories respectively. QS placed the NWU’s medicine subject group in the 701 to 850 category.

According to QS, this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject are the rankings agency’s biggest yet, with more institutions ranked than ever before. In 2024, it included 1 559 institutions, ranked across 55 subjects in five broad subject areas. This year they added an additional 171 institutions.

QS used five indicators to determine a place on the rankings table. These were academic reputation; employer reputation; citations per paper; the h-index (measuring the stability of the impact and quality of the work published by the institutions’ scientists and scholars); and the International Research Network (IRN) (measuring the efficiency of establishing stable research collaborations in all the broad subject areas).

This is not the first time the NWU has excelled in the QS rankings. Since 2023 the NWU has consistently featured a subject in the top 400 ranking performance group.

According to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the subject group rankings are international acknowledgment of the great work the NWU’s academics and researchers are doing.

To learn more about the NWU’s performance in the various international rankings, visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings, or to learn more about the QS World University Rankings by Subject, visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings.

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

by Belinda Bantham

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.