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Congratulations are in order for student advisor at WSU’s Butterworth campus, Khanyisile Nombulelo Blaai, who was recently named Faculty Advisor of the Year 2021 by ENACTUS.
Blaai received recognition for her efforts in guiding and mentoring the university’s ENACTUS team through various aspects such as project ideation and development, implementation, and team management.
Prior to receiving this award Blaai was recognised by the organisation in 2019 as Administrator of the Year, Nationally.
“I thank ENACTUS South Africa for the honour and recognition and the WSU ENACTUS team for believing in me. Thank you to everyone who has been there for us as WSU ENACTUS Team! Sibamba ngazibini!” said Blaai.
ENACTUS is an international network of students, academic and business leaders who have committed to creating a better world with better leaders. It is a platform for individuals who have the ability and are willing to put forth the effort to make a meaningful contribution to their communities and are working together to improve the lives of others.
The organisation mobilizes university students around the world to use the knowledge gained in the classroom to address real-world business and economic issues in their communities.
“I must however also mention that this was not the first national award, in 2015 I received the Administrator of the Year Award from the National Student Development Practitioners Association (NASDEV). This is an association which all practitioners in the student affairs environment are affiliate members, where they meet and share best practices in Student Affairs as part of development and growth,” said Blaai.
This award came as a surprise to Blaai’s as she and her team have had to face hard times, especially during covid-19. However, she described the journey as one which was tough but motivational and exciting.
Having had to work with a team that is scattered in three district municipalities as per the geographic location of WSU, they needed a lot of resources and support to achieve the mission and vision of ENACTUS.
“I wish to invite academic staff members and anyone to join hands with us to assist the students in this program as their involvement will also help them broaden their scope and achieve their community engagement projects,” she concluded.
- Mandlakazi Khekhezwa & Yanga Ziwele
