The NWU proudly honoured community engagement and the outstanding individuals and their initiatives making a real difference at this year's Excellence Awards, which took place on 21 November 2024.

Each of these projects showcases the NWU's commitment to meaningful, sustainable change. We celebrate these trailblazers for their dedication to making a lasting impact within and beyond our university community.

Lemogang Masethe with Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations.

Engaged Teaching and Learning Award: Lemogang Masethe

Lemogang Masethe has demonstrated exceptional skills in empowering students through an innovative approach that integrates marketing and student recruitment with teaching. Her dedication to the Ikateleng project – an initiative that empowers learners with lifelong skills that extend beyond the classroom – has been instrumental in increasing the bachelor pass rate from 58% to 78% since 2019.

Ikateleng enhances learners' readiness for the real world, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society while simultaneously supporting the NWU's strategic goals. Under her guidance, Ikateleng learners have consistently outperformed national averages in individual subjects, and many alumni have continued with their postgraduate studies.

Dr Benita Taylor with Prof Sonia Swanepoel.

Engaged Research and Innovation Award: Dr Benita Taylor

Dr Benita Taylor's Bafenyi Project is a game-changer in early childhood care and education.

Working closely with practitioners in under-resourced communities, she co-creates solutions that enhance young children's holistic development.

Her participatory approach builds confidence and informs sustainable curriculum improvements, shaping national policy and fostering a more inclusive educational future.

Jéan-Pierre van Deventer with Prof Sonia Swanepoel.

Novice Award for Engaged Research and Innovation: Jéan-Pierre van Deventer

Jéan-Pierre van Deventer's STRIDE Initiative develops affordable assistive devices for disabled individuals, combining technology and outreach to enhance mobility and independence.

His team has commercialised IoT-enabled ozone generators and is innovating devices like Muscle Memory, which helps prevent exercise injuries.

His work sets a high standard for engaged research, proving that innovation drives real-world impact.

Prof Janelize Morelli with Prof Sonia Swanepoel.

Scholarship of Engagement Award:
Prof Janelize Morelli

Through the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Programme, Prof Janelize Morelli brings transformative music education to underprivileged communities. Learners gain invaluable facilitation skills, while the programme contributes to social cohesion and cultural exchange.

The programme advances key United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, including those of Quality Education and Gender Equality, by empowering female learners and reducing inequality in access to the arts.

Bathandekile Myeni with Prof Sonia Swanepoel.

Discipline-Based Outreach Award: Bathandekile Myeni

Bathandekile Myeni leads the NWU’s School of Music Food Bank, tackling student food insecurity head-on.

Partnering with organisations such as Shoprite and the Mookodi Foundation, she ensures that students have the nutrition they need to excel academically and musically.

Her efforts have united the community, creating a ripple effect of positive change.