On Friday, 6 December 2024, Sol Plaatje University (SPU) hosted the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards to honour the exceptional achievements of staff in four categories: Research, Teaching and Learning, Community Engagement, and Service Delivery.
This year, the awards held special significance with the introduction of the Long Service Awards, recognising founding staff members who have been unwaveringly committed to the SPU project since its inception. These individuals have played an integral role in shaping the University’s journey and embody the dedication that drives SPU’s success.
Introduced by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Andrew Crouch, the awards aim to promote a culture of excellence at SPU by fostering professional growth, recognising inspirational leadership, and reinforcing the University’s commitment to quality teaching, impactful research, meaningful community engagement, and outstanding service delivery.
The Excellence in Service Delivery Award was presented to Ms Sukayna Obaray, Faculty Registrar in the Faculty of Humanities, for her exceptional dedication to improving services and processes. Ms Obaray’s work has consistently exceeded expectations, fostering a culture of service excellence within her team.
Dr Tiani Wepener, Lecturer in Geography and Social Science Teaching, received the award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for her innovative methods, capacity-building efforts, and commitment to fostering a research-driven teaching environment.
The award for Excellence in Community Engagement Award was presented to Dr Lourenço Pinto, Lecturer in Archaeology and Heritage Studies, for his impactful work with the !Xun and Khwe communities of Platfontein. Dr Pinto’s efforts have empowered community members through education and career development, exemplifying SPU’s dedication to meaningful engagement. This project culminated in one published journal article, three Honours projects and the advancement of two Masters students’ mobility grants to Europe.
Professor Ahmed Mohamed, Associate Professor in Geography, and Dr Osayuwame Omoruyi, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences were the joint winners of the VC’s Award for Excellence in Research . Prof Mohamed’s groundbreaking research in water science and active public engagement have strengthened SPU’s research reputation, while Dr Omoruyi’s achievements, including the Early Career Researcher of the Year award, highlight her rising prominence in academia.
The Long Service Awards celebrated the contributions of founding staff members, including Ms Anna Beattie, Dr Anthony Mpisi, Dr Edward Dakora, Ms Edwinah Egelser, Dr Eleanor Addinall, Dr Emma Groenewald, Dr Garth Benneyworth, Mr Godfrey Rudolph, Ms Heidi Hanekom, Mr Johane Hlatywayo, Ms Odette du Plessis, Mr Shadrack Mankwe, Dr Simone Neethling, Ms Sonet van Niekerk, Ms Tshegohatso Kgaile, and Ms Tania Pretorius. These individuals have played a pivotal role in SPU’s growth and success.
