NSTF-South32 Awards beckon as remarkable Unisans progress to the next level

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), in partnership with South32, recently announced the finalists in various categories for the 2021/2022 NSTF-South32 Awards.

As if being recognised through nominations was not enough, three remarkable Unisans, all attached to the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), have reached the finals. Leading by example is CSET’s Executive Dean, Professor Bhekie Mamba.

From the left: Professor Bhekie Mamba, Professor Adéle da Veiga, and Professor Wellington Thwala

The NSTF-South32 Awards recognise outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET), and innovation in South Africa. They encourage and reward excellence in, among others, scientific research, data for research, the green economy, and innovations.

Other prominent Unisans were earlier nominated for these awards in various categories. A prestigious Awards Gala Dinner has been arranged for 21 July 2022, to honour the finalists in their respective categories, and announce the winners. The following Unisans have been announced as finalists:

• Professor Bhekie Mamba (CSET) has reached the finals in the Management Award category.
• Professor Adéle da Veiga (CSET) has reached the finals in the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher category.
• Professor Wellington Thwala (CSET) has reached the finals in the Engineering Research Capacity Development Award category.

The Department of Science and Innovation is a founding member of the NSTF and longstanding sponsor of the NSTF-South32 Awards. The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is the patron of the awards and will be present at the event to honour the finalists and congratulate the winners.

The awards will be presented during a hybrid event broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The audience will be given an opportunity to view the awards through the NSTF YouTube channel.

Unisa wishes the finalists all the best, and acknowledges their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

*By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement