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.
