North-West University (NWU) honours spokespersons

Institutional Office – During a recent function, academics, researchers and other staff members were acknowledged for their contribution in enhancing the media profile of the NWU. The university is a wonderful source of expertise and is home to various experts with an extensive knowledge in various fields, and these experts are encouraged to, through the media, share their insights with the public.

For the period 1 January to 31 December 2011, the NWU was mentioned 7 730 times in the media. This figure is more than double the figure for 2010 and had a total advertising equivalent value of R 170 222 129 of which the print media contributed nearly R 100 million. Of the 7 730 items, 5 037 appeared in the print media, 1 054 in broadcast and 1 639 in the online media. In total there were 7 182 balanced items, 538 positive ones, while the unfavourable coverage resulted from only 10 articles.

For the first time individuals who were quoted the most in the various categories, were honoured:

Most quoted in the Print media in 2011 was Prof Tommy du Plessis, Director of the Potchefstroom Business School. Prof Tommy was quoted 76 times and received a cash prize of R 5 000.
Most quoted in the Broadcast media in 2011 was Mr Theo Venter, special advisor in the office of the Vice-Chancellor and part time lecturer. Theo was quoted 60 times and also received a cash prize of R 5 000.
Most quoted in the Online media in 2011 was Prof Frank Winde, Chair of Geography and Head: Mine Water Research Group on the Vaal Triangle Campus. Prof Frank was quoted 35 times and he too received a cash prize of R 5 000.

Apart from these, awards were also handed out to the individuals who held the top three positions in all the categories combined for 2011. Quoted the third most and receiving prize money of R 10 000 was Prof Tommy du Plessis. The individual who was quoted the second most and received prize money of R 15 000, was Mr Theo Venter.

The award for the individual who was quoted the most of all NWU spokespeople in all combined categories in 2011and who received prize money of R 20 000-00 as well as a floating trophy, went to Prof Andre Duvenhage, Director in the research focus area Social Transformation and Professor in Political Studies on the Potchefstroom Campus. He was quoted 114 times across all the different mediums.

During the function, two members of the Institutional Management were also acknowledged for the role they played in enhancing the NWU's media profile. Jointly they have been quoted 347 times across the spectrum with a total relative advertising equivalent value of R 8,3 million. As a result of their positions, they were however not eligible to receive awards. These individuals were Dr Theuns Eloff, Vice-Chancellor of the NWU and Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, Rector of the Potchefstroom Campus.

“The NWU is a powerhouse of innovation and we always have something new to tell the world about, and we will continue telling the story of the university as an enabler of the future. The NWU offers more than just an education – we offer people a place in the world” said Dr Eloff in his welcoming address.

Dr Theuns Eloff (left), Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University hands over the prize money and floating trophy to Professor André Duvenhage, Director in the research focus area Social Transformation and Professor in Political studies on the Potchefstroom Campus after he was announced as the NWU spokesperson quoted the most in the media in 2011.

Enquiries:
Louis Jacobs, Director: Corporate Communication, Institutional Office, North-West University
018 299 4918 / 082 901 6435

Date: 2 May 2012