Preferred language
Click on the arrows to see who our winners are.
Prof Sanette Brits from the Faculty of Health Sciences is involved with the annual World HIV/AIDS celebration, raising further awareness on the importance of testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS.
During 2022 Kagiso Somngesi was consistent in her updates on TikTok. She capitalises on the style of media that is trending to create relatable, educational and informative content regarding our university.
Cash prize: R5 000 for each recipient
NWU Ambassador of the Year
This overall award is made to someone who has already received one of the Media or Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Recognition awards, excluding the Silver Wings Award.
award
winners!
Nkosinathi Tom is the director for strategic partnerships in the office of the vice-chancellor.
One of the panel members said this about him: “In addition to this unfaltering focus on the institutional goals of the NWU, the recipient has an impact on the lives of young South Africans by setting a sterling example of respectful engagement – especially during times of intense differences of opinion.”
Cash prize: R15 000
Vice-Chancellor’s Award
The vice-chancellor makes this award to a member of management who, through their work and involvement in the university, has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values. From the names put forward, the panel decided to award this to Nkosinathi Tom.
award
winners!
Prof Nico Smit excelled in promoting the NWU and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on Twitter through more than 100 tweets supporting the university’s strategies and values. According to Twitter analytics, his tweets had a total of 230 019 impressions.
Kagiso Somngesi’s videos on TikTok resulted in millions of views.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Social Media Personality Award
This award honours exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms.
award
winners!
During 2022, Prof Raymond Parsons was quoted 840 times on various media platforms, with an advertising value equivalent of more than R74 million. The variety of print, broadcast and online channels on which he was quoted made it even more remarkable.
The journey of Ian Thompson, a master’s-degree student in engineering who built a high-tech knee brace, the first of its kind, captured the attention of the media during 2022. His ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of the prosthetics industry, especially in Africa.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Traditional Media Personality Award
This award acknowledges exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio.
award
winners!
During the period 25 to 29 July 2022, Prof Raymond Parsons was quoted excessively on a variety of media channels. He commented on load-shedding and the lack of power security, and the severe economic damage these do to South Africa.
Cash prize: R10 000
Exceptional Media Coverage Award
This award is for an upsurge in media exposure
during a limited time of seven to 14 days.
award
winners!
Michelle Bownes, a senior specialist for employee relations, is highly involved with the university’s programme towards the eradication of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the staff environment.
Mario Chauque is the HIV coordinator on the Potchefstroom Campus. He is involved with educational and awareness programmes relating to HIV/AIDS, sexual reproductive health and peer-to-peer mentoring.
Mahikeng Campus student Obriel Takunda Maposa is involved with fundraising and awareness at three community-based early childhood development centres in Mahikeng. He is also a member of the NWU Golden Key Society.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Social Responsibility and
Awareness Advocate Award
This accolade is for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness, including gender-based violence, social engagement, disability rights, substance abuse, mental health and awareness, and social welfare projects.
award
winners!
Dr Keaobaka Seshoka is the director of the Language Directorate. She is extensively involved in the development of multilingual pedagogies and programmes at the NWU and in the broader higher-education sector in South Africa.
Prof Sanette Brits from the School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences has a passion for lecturing in a culturally sensitive manner.
In 2022 Thuso Molefi became the first female Student Representative Council president of the NWU. She demonstrated in-depth understanding of the different facets of diversity and transformation issues that affect the student population across the NWU.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award
The award is made for exceptional contributions relating to transformation and diversity concepts and initiatives relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural perspectives and multilingualism, among others.
award
winners!
NWU Silver Wings Award
This is a discretionary recognition award made to staff and students who have embodied the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity. Staff and students voted for the recipients of this category.
They are our award winners!
MAHIKENG CAMPUS
Staff member: Prof Martin Chanza
Student: Kgopotso Hope Sekgobela
Potchefstroom Campus
Staff member: Kelebogile Oompie
Student: Sibongiseni Buthelezi
Vanderbijlpark Campus
Staff member: Michelle Groenewald
Student: Sicelo Sibeko
Cash prize: R5 000 for each recipient
to those promoting our values and brand
– Angeline Marokoane –
Living the NWU way means to be value-driven and proud. During a prestige event on 25 May the university rewarded dedicated staff and students for promoting and enhancing its culture and strategy.
Our first Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards ceremony took place at the Roots function venue in Potchefstroom.
Eighteen key influencers received recognition for their valued contributions as brand ambassadors, both internally and externally. Each of the recipients received a trophy, accompanied by a cash prize.
Staff and full-time students across the three campuses had nominated their peers who had been quoted in the traditional and digital/social media, as well as those who had consistently promoted and demonstrated the NWU’s values during 2022.
A panel of seven members consisting of staff and students adjudicated the nominations in eight categories.
Prof Raymond Parsons from the NWU Business School won two awards: the Traditional Media Personality Award and the Exceptional Media Coverage Award.
Michelle Bownes and Mario Chauque shared the Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate Award. Michelle is a senior specialist for employee relations, and Mario Chauque is the HIV coordinator on the Potchefstroom Campus.
Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, director of the Language Directorate, shares the Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award with Prof Sanette Brits.
Nkosinathi Tom, the director for strategic partnerships in the office of the vice-chancellor, is the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.
Kagiso Somngesi also received two awards: the NWU Ambassador of the Year Award and the Social Media Personality Award.
Prof Sanette Brits won the NWU Ambassador of the Year Award, as well as the Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award. Handing over one of the awards is Prof Linda du Plessis, the deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations.
Watch this video to share in the celebrations when we honoured our staff and students for promoting and enhancing our culture and strategy.
Yusuf Abramjee, a social cohesion and anti-crime advocate and media personality, was the guest speaker during the event.
He said universities play a vital role in shaping not only the minds of their students but also the character of their communities.
“Universities serve as microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity that defines our nation. Building a shared institutional culture with this diverse context is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It is a challenge because it requires understanding and embracing our differences, and an opportunity because it allows us to create a truly inclusive and enriching environment for all.”
He singled out leadership as a key driver for success. “As a vital part of shaping a shared vision, culture and identity, personal leadership development is fundamental to the NWU achieving its goals.”
Universities are
microcosms of society
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Prof Sanette Brits from the Faculty of Health Sciences is involved with the annual World HIV/AIDS celebration, raising further awareness on the importance of testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS.
During 2022 Kagiso Somngesi was consistent in her updates on TikTok. She capitalises on the style of media that is trending to create relatable, educational and informative content regarding our university.
Cash prize: R5 000 for each recipient
NWU Ambassador of the Year
This overall award is made to someone who has already received one of the Media or Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Recognition awards, excluding the Silver Wings Award.
They are our award winners!
Prof Sanette Brits (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student)
Nkosinathi Tom is the director for strategic partnerships in the office of the vice-chancellor.
One of the panel members said this about him: “In addition to this unfaltering focus on the institutional goals of the NWU, the recipient has an impact on the lives of young South Africans by setting a sterling example of respectful engagement – especially during times of intense differences of opinion.”
Cash prize: R15 000
Vice-Chancellor’s Award
The vice-chancellor makes this award to a member of management who, through their work and involvement in the university, has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values. From the names put forward, the panel decided to award this to Nkosinathi Tom.
They are our award winners!
Nkosinathi Tom
Prof Nico Smit excelled in promoting the NWU and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on Twitter through more than 100 tweets supporting the university’s strategies and values. According to Twitter analytics, his tweets had a total of 230 019 impressions.
Kagiso Somngesi’s videos on TikTok resulted in millions of views.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Social Media Personality Award
This award honours exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms.
They are our award winners!
Prof Nico Smit (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student)
During 2022, Prof Raymond Parsons was quoted 840 times on various media platforms, with an advertising value equivalent of more than R74 million. The variety of print, broadcast and online channels on which he was quoted made it even more remarkable.
The journey of Ian Thompson, a master’s-degree student in engineering who built a high-tech knee brace, the first of its kind, captured the attention of the media during 2022. His ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of the prosthetics industry, especially in Africa.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Traditional Media Personality Award
This award acknowledges exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio.
They are our
award winners!
Prof Raymond Parsons (staff) and Ian Thomson (student).
During the period 25 to 29 July 2022, Prof Raymond Parsons was quoted excessively on a variety of media channels. He commented on load-shedding and the lack of power security, and the severe economic damage these do to South Africa.
Cash prize: R10 000
Exceptional Media Coverage Award
This award is for an upsurge in media exposure
during a limited time of seven to 14 days.
They are our
award winners!
Prof Raymond
Parsons (staff)
Michelle Bownes, a senior specialist for employee relations, is highly involved with the university’s programme towards the eradication of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the staff environment.
Mario Chauque is the HIV coordinator on the Potchefstroom Campus. He is involved with educational and awareness programmes relating to HIV/AIDS, sexual reproductive health and peer-to-peer mentoring.
Mahikeng Campus student Obriel Takunda Maposa is involved with fundraising and awareness at three community-based early childhood development centres in Mahikeng. He is also a member of the NWU Golden Key Society.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Social Responsibility
and Awareness Advocate Award
This accolade is for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness, including gender-based violence, social engagement, disability rights, substance abuse, mental health and awareness, and social welfare projects.
They are our
award winners!
Shared by staff members Michelle Bownes and Mario Chauque. Obriel Takunda Maposa was the student recipient.
Dr Keaobaka Seshoka is the director of the Language Directorate. She is extensively involved in the development of multilingual pedagogies and programmes at the NWU and in the broader higher-education sector in South Africa.
Prof Sanette Brits from the School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences has a passion for lecturing in a culturally sensitive manner.
In 2022 Thuso Molefi became the first female Student Representative Council president of the NWU. She demonstrated in-depth understanding of the different facets of diversity and transformation issues that affect the student population across the NWU.
Cash prize: R10 000 for each recipient
Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award
The award is made for exceptional contributions relating to transformation and diversity concepts and initiatives relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural perspectives and multilingualism, among others.
They are our
award winners!
This award is shared by staff members Dr Keaobaka Seshoka and Prof Sanette Brits. Thuso Molefi was the student recipient.
NWU Silver Wings Award
This is a discretionary recognition award made to staff and students who have embodied the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity. Staff and students voted for the recipients of this category.
They are our award winners!
MAHIKENG CAMPUS
Staff member: Prof Martin Chanza
Student: Kgopotso Hope Sekgobela
Potchefstroom Campus
Staff member: Kelebogile Oompie
Student: Sibongiseni Buthelezi
Vanderbijlpark Campus
Staff member: Michelle Groenewald
Student: Sicelo Sibeko
Cash prize: R5 000 for each recipient
to those promoting our values and brand
– Angeline Marokoane –
Living the NWU way means to be value-driven and proud. During a prestige event on 25 May the university rewarded dedicated staff and students for promoting and enhancing its culture and strategy.
Our first Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards ceremony took place at the Roots function venue in Potchefstroom.
Eighteen key influencers received recognition for their valued contributions as brand ambassadors, both internally and externally. Each of the recipients received a trophy, accompanied by a cash prize.
Staff and full-time students across the three campuses had nominated their peers who had been quoted in the traditional and digital/social media, as well as those who had consistently promoted and demonstrated the NWU’s values during 2022.
A panel of seven members consisting of staff and students adjudicated the nominations in eight categories.
Prof Raymond Parsons from the NWU Business School won two awards: the Traditional Media Personality Award and the Exceptional Media Coverage Award.
Michelle Bownes and Mario Chauque shared the Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate Award. Michelle is a senior specialist for employee relations, and Mario Chauque is the HIV coordinator on the Potchefstroom Campus.
Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, director of the Language Directorate, shares the Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award with Prof Sanette Brits.
Nkosinathi Tom, the director for strategic partnerships in the office of the vice-chancellor, is the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.
Kagiso Somngesi also received two awards: the NWU Ambassador of the Year Award and the Social Media Personality Award.
Prof Sanette Brits won the NWU Ambassador of the Year Award, as well as the Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award. Handing over one of the awards is Prof Linda du Plessis, the deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations.
Watch this video to share in the celebrations when we honoured our staff and students for promoting and enhancing our culture and strategy.
Yusuf Abramjee, a social cohesion and anti-crime advocate and media personality, was the guest speaker during the event.
He said universities play a vital role in shaping not only the minds of their students but also the character of their communities.
“Universities serve as microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity that defines our nation. Building a shared institutional culture with this diverse context is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It is a challenge because it requires understanding and embracing our differences, and an opportunity because it allows us to create a truly inclusive and enriching environment for all.”
He singled out leadership as a key driver for success. “As a vital part of shaping a shared vision, culture and identity, personal leadership development is fundamental to the NWU achieving its goals.”
2
3
4
6
7
8
5
6
7
5
Preferred language