Top honour for former UWC vice chancellor
THE FORMER vice-chancellor of the University of the Western Cape has been honoured by the National Research Foundation (NRF) at its annual awards. Professor Brian O’Connell was awarded a lifetime achievement award, the foundation’s highest honour, which was handed to him by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor. The ceremony was held in Bloemfontein last week.
O’Connell, who is also Extraordinary Professor in Education at UWC, was honoured because of his extraordinary contributions, of international standard and impact, to the development of science in and for South Africa over an extended period of time. And worth consideration is the manner in which his work has touched and shaped the lives and views of many South Africans.
After serving UWC for 14 years as a vice-chancellor, O’Connell ensured that the university was able to successfully navigate the tough transition from a historically disadvantaged institution into a global academic and research powerhouse.
“Professor O’Connell has committed his life to delivering quality education that impacts on those he has come into contact with, and also to the development of South Africa,” said Dr Molapo Qobela, the chief executive of the foundation.
“He is a remarkable South African and a great human being.
“The NRF is honoured to confer its lifetime achievement award on Professor O’Connell, ” Qobela added.
And O’Connell’s impressive achievements were not the only feather in UWC’s cap at the foundation’s awards.
Another prestigious accolade was awarded to UWC’s Professor Cedric Linder, who achieved an NRF A-Rating for his work in physics education research.
This was the first time this kind of rating has ever been given for science.
Linder earned his rating through transforming lives and making physics a more comprehensible subject, which helped countless students and educators to attain success.
Also honoured were Professor Jonathan Jansen, a distinguished UWC alumnus, who received an A-rating.
After studying his BSc in botany and zoology from UWC, Jansen became a distinguished social scientist and public intellectual, and a force for transformation in higher education in South Africa, including a long stint as rector and vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State.
“As a university, we are extremely proud of the work done by our colleagues,” said Professor Jose Frantz, the deputy vice-chancellor: research and innovation.
“They have flown the UWC flag high and shown what is possible with hard work, critical thinking and open engagement, and we are happy to see them recognised and rewarded for a job well done,” Frantz said. – Staff Reporter