Nine academic and one support services staff at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) received the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Awards on Thursday evening, 14 November 2019, following their outstanding performances this year.
These accolades are annually awarded to staff members who excel in areas such as research, teaching and innovation, as well as for service beyond the call of normal duty.
On an evening celebrating University of Johannesburg’s award winners, Vice Chancellor Professor Tshilidzi Marwala said the 2019 nominations recognised the university’s most remarkable and inspiring individuals. ‘Through their teaching, research and service, they play an important role in our community, and reflect our commitment to improving people’s lives and tackling real-world problems.’
Prof Moloi has significantly contributed to the growth of the accounting research footprint in South Africa. He has helped to grow the research output in the School of Accounting as well as promoting an accounting research network in Africa and globally, through collaborative projects with the University of Lagos (Nigeria) and Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (Brazil). He has received several industry awards for his research on risk management in the public sector.
The ‘Outstanding Researcher of The Year’ award was presented to Prof Reinout Meijboom (Faculty of Science).
An internationally recognised catalysis researcher, he has published more than 130 articles in high-impact journals. As an inventor, Prof Meijboom has contributed to growing UJ’s intellectual property portfolio.
Dr Ade-Ibijola and Dr Marius Wait (College of Business and Economics) won the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award for their ‘Learn As You Earn’ app, a work-integrated, direct-selling app which allows students to use their smartphones or other devices to create a profile and access a range of services. In addition to generating income, the project also helps to develop entrepreneurial skills. Last year, 389 students generated a turnover of R3 million with the total commission amounting to R750 000.
Ms Goodness Ndimande, a security officer with the Protection Services Division, won the award for ‘Service Beyond the Normal Call of Duty’.
Goodness has served the UJ community with distinction. Her warm smile, courtesy and efficiency in dealing with students, staff and visitors have led to her ‘celebrity-status’ at the university. She is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of meeting or working with her.
