Prof Satsope Maoto
Prof Satsope Maoto, C2 NRF rated researcher, is the current Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities at University of Limpopo. Her philosophy of leadership, administration, teaching
2023 Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA) Finalists
Finalist
Women in Humanities and Social Sciences
Celebrates and recognises women leaders, and incredible work in humanities and social sciences. Women that excel in their disciplinary fields in HSS. Innovations and other HSS achievements, capacity development initiatives in HSS, innovative learning and teaching practices in HSS and community engagement activities.
Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede
Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede is the Head of the Division for Global Engagement and a Professor in the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg.
Prof Botha Catherine
Prof Botha Catherine One of the first five female full Philosophy professors in South Africa, Catherine specializes in ethics and aesthetics in the philosophy of dance and philosophy
Prof Nicolette Roman
Prof Nicolette Roman has a PhD in Psychology. She holds the position of Senior Professor, SARChI Chair in the study of families, Main Founding Member and Director of the Centre
Prof Brenda Schmahmann
Prof Brenda Schmahmann holds the SARChI chair in South African Art and Visual Culture at the University of Johannesburg and has been a full Professor for more than two decades.
Finalist
Women in STEM
Celebrates and recognise the incredible women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Women that excel in their disciplinary fields in science. Innovations and other STEM achievement, capacity development initiatives in STEM, innovative learning and teaching practices in STEM and community engagement activities.
Prof Nosisi N Feza
Prof Nosisi N Feza, a Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. In May 2007 she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for her PhD in the United States.
Prof Kulsum Kondiah
Prof. Kulsum Kondiah is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching and Learning) Biotechnology and Food Technology at the University of Johannesburg. She has been an educator
Prof Philiswa Nomngongo
Prof Philiswa Nomngongo is a Professor of Environmental Analytical Chemistry at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a DSI-NRF SARChI and NRF Y1 rating. Her scientific career has been dedicated to solving
Prof Nonhlangabezo N Mabuba
Prof Nonhlangabezo N Mabuba is an Associate Professor and the Deputy Director for the Centre of Nanomaterial Science Research at the Faculty of Science, UJ. She has a PhD in Natural Sciences
Prof Salome Maswime
Prof Salome Maswime is a Professor and the Head of the Global Surgery Division; an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She is a member of the Academy of Science South Africa, Chairperson
Finalist
Emerging Young Women Leaders
Recognises an under-40-woman leader who is making an excellent contribution as a leader, with less than 10 years in a leadership role. Exceptional young leaders with at least 2 years in the HE sectors. They may be academic or non-academic personnel in the HE industry. Their career trajectory suggests an impactful career for them and other women in the sector.
Prof Fortunate Silinda
Prof Fortunate Silinda, Chair of the Psychology Department at Unisa, is an accomplished leader with notable contributions to psychology, particularly in distance learning and academic
Dr M van de Vyver
Dr M van de Vyver is an established NRF-rated researcher within the Department of Medicine at Stellenbosch University. She has >35 scientific publications (>447 citations; h-index 13;
Prof. Serepa-Dlamini
Prof Serepa-Dlamini is Associate Professor and Head of Department: Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg (UJ). She earned her PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Sisanda Nkoala
Sisanda Nkoala is a Senior Lecturer in the Media Studies Department at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with a PhD in Rhetoric Studies from UCT. She has held leadership positions in several professional
Dr Nombulelo V. Sepeng
Dr Nombulelo V. Sepeng is a senior lecturer in University of Pretoria’s Department of Nursing. She is also a research manager for masters and doctoral studies. Her responsibilities include working
Finalist
Trailblazer
A woman leader who understands the importance of lifting as they rise and actively champions the empowerment of women and students. This will recognise women with a consistent track record of supporting other women in the HE sectors for at least, 5 years. These are women who are secure in themselves. Strong enough to support others to thrive – not feel threatened by others’ growth.
Prof Nosisi N Feza
Prof Nosisi N Feza, a Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. In May 2007 she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for her PhD in the United States.
Prof Vivienne Lawack
Prof Vivienne Lawack joined UWC on 1 April 2015 as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic from NMMU, where she had served as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law since 2008.
Prof Rachael Jesika Singh
Prof Rachael Jesika Singh is a Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships at the University of Limpopo. Her focus area is on Research Development staff and postgraduate students.
Prof Maria Frahm-Arp
I received my PhD in 2006 from Warwick University (UK) in the Sociology of Religion. I am the author of two books, over 30 book chapters and articles and NRF C3 rated.
Prof Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu
Prof Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu obtained her PhD (Environmental Toxicology) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 2007. She is a full professor (Environmental Chemistry/Toxicology) and an established researcher (C3-rated).
Finalist
Humanitarian
This person goes above and beyond the requirements of his or her position changing the lives of women and the broader community in need with no expectation of compensation or compliments. The work of these women speaks for them. They are selfless in their services within and outside of the HE Sector.
Prof Kulsum Kondiah
Prof. Kulsum Kondiah is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching and Learning) Biotechnology and Food Technology at the University of Johannesburg. She has been an educator
Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli
Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli is the Executive Director (Research & Innovation) at the University of Johannesburg. She joined UJ in June 2019 as Director of Strategic Research
Prof Tembisa Ngqondi
Prof. Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of Faculty of Informatics and Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology embraces inclusive philosophy and believes that human
Prof Boitumelo Diale
Prof Boitumelo Diale is a Full Professor and an NRF C-2 Rated researcher in the Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg.
Mrs Melany Lotter
Mrs Melany Lotter is a compassionate leader who embodies the values of fairness, consistency, and inclusivity. Through her leadership style, she acknowledges and nurtures individuals’
Finalist
Women in Academic Administration
Honours a woman leader who has excelled in leadership over a period of time. A minimum of a 5-year service in the HE sectors. The nominees must be in the academic administration space. Innovative interventions/practices that enhance institutional performance, peer-mentoring evidence, and community engagement activities (e.g., school visits, mentoring, after-school projects for the underprivileged, etc) may be recognised in this category.
Dr Dianna Moodley
Dr Dianna Moodley is a risk-taker, breaking traditional boundaries. Her unstoppable creativity and innovation are captured in her most recent work – Artist or Imposter
Dr Maria Madiope
Dr Maria ‘Marinkie’ Madiope is the Director Transformation and Languages at Walter Sisulu University. She graduated from the University of the North with a BA; BED; University of Johannesburg
Prof José Frantz
Prof José Frantz is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape. She was previously the Dean of the Faculty of Health
Kedi Mokotsi
Kedi Mokotsi, is a remarkable individual who has made significant and noteworthy contributions across various fields, leaving an indelible mark in society and the institutions alike. She has consistently
Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl
Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl holds the position of Acting Deputy Director- General, Technology and Innovation at the Department of Science and Innovation. She is seconded to this role from her permanent position
Finalist
Lifetime Achievers
A special award recognising an outstanding contribution to the higher education sector. The nominee must have at least, 10 years of devoted active service in the higher education sector. They should have made tangible contributions to the HE Sector. They are women with exceptional achievements against all odds.
Prof Nosisi N Feza
Prof Nosisi N Feza, a Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. In May 2007 she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for her PhD in the United States.
Prof Kim Berman
Prof Kim Berman is Professor in Visual Art at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the co-founder and Executive Director of Artist Proof Studio. She has lectured and exhibited widely and is an NRF rated researcher.
Prof Heidi Abrahamse
Prof Heidi Abrahamse is the Director of the Laser Research Centre, and DSI/NRF SARChI Chair. Her career spans over 30 years characterized by academic excellence.
Prof Michele Miller
Prof. Michele received her MS and PhD in Immunology, and DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Masters’ in Public Health (MPH) at the University of Florida-Gainesville.
Prof Shireen Motala
Prof Motala is NRF/DHET SARChI Chair: Teaching and Learning (Tier 1) at the University of Johannesburg. Prof Motala was the Head: The post-graduate School (PGS), University of Johannesburg (UJ)