Four Stellenbosch University experts were honoured by the South African Academy for Science and Arts for their contributions to their respective fields at a rewards ceremony in Stellenbosch last night. These awards signify excellence, commitment and hard work – characteristics that are highly prized at SU.
The recipients are Prof. Johan de Villiers and the Libertas Choir, Prof Leon Dicks, extra-ordinary professor at the Department of Microbiology, Prof Lizette Rabe from the Department of Journalism, and Prof Leslie Swartz, from the Department of Psychology.
Prof Johan de Villiers, emeritus professor in Mathematics at Stellenbosch University, and the Libertas Choir, received a special medal of honour. Prof De Villiers found the choir and has been its conductor since 1989. The Libertas Choir was the first multi-cultural choir in South Africa and is still representative of the diverse South African community.
Prof De Villiers was recognised for his "inspiring leadership, unique characteristics and exceptional ability in the field of choir instruction and performance of choir music".
Prof De Villiers had the following to say about the award after it was announced earlier this year: "I dedicate it to every choir member over the years, and specifically to my wife, Louwina, without whose enormous contribution as choir manager there wouldn't have been a Libertas Choir. I am also greatly indebted to Stellenbosch University for promoting my parallel career in music, since my time as conductor of the University Choir."
Prof Leon Dicks has been awarded the Havenga prize for life sciences. This is a prestigious prize awarded annually for original research in the natural sciences and/or technology and can be awarded only once to the same individual.
Prof Dicks said, as a scientist, the award serves as a wake-up call to tackle even more challenging issues: "It is always nice to receive recognition for one's work. I am deeply grateful towards the Academy for the award and that I have received so many blessings, but I also realise that there is still a lot to be done!"
He received the award for his research on antimicrobial peptides and the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria.
Prof Lizette Rabe receives the Stals-prize for Communication and Journalism. In a media release the Academy says Rabe distinguished herself as a respected academic in a field of study where hands on experience, together with in depth knowledge, are prerequisites. Her career getuig van 'n benadering om alle geleenthede te benut om joernalistiek as vakgebied te bevorder en uit te bou."
She was praised for her insight into the fast changing environment of electronic communication tools and how it enables her to study the application of these tools in journalism, and to train student accordingly.
Prof Rabe said the award is an honour "which I accept with great humility".
This year the Stals-prize for Psychology was awarded to Prof Leslie Swartz for the key role he played in the formation of the Centre for Public Mental Health, in cooperation with the University of Cape Town. "Prof Swartz serves as in inspirational example of a psychologist and academic who lives out his passion for renewal on the field of psychology as well as the acquisition of knowledge," said the release.
Read more about Prof Johan de Villiers and Prof Leon Dicks.
Photo: From left is Proff Proff Johan de Villiers, Lizette Rabe, Leslie Swartz and Leon Dicks.
