South African Environmental Observation Network

Celebrating Excellence at NRF-SAEON: Inaugural Employee Recognition Awards

In honour of the accomplishments of its outstanding team, NRF-SAEON held its inaugural Employee Recognition Awards on Thursday, 24 October 2024. This event celebrated individuals who have excelled in their industries and shown a remarkable level of talent, dedication, and commitment to the mission of NRF-SAEON. We want to express our gratitude to each recipient for their outstanding work and efforts.

The purpose of the NRF-SAEON Employee Recognition Awards is to honour outstanding contributions in environmental research, science engagement and administrative support. These awards, which recognise accomplishments in a range of environmental science fields, encourage critical research advancement and public awareness of environmental challenges in addition to honouring individuals and groups. The prizes encourage scientific and societal engagement with urgent environmental issues by highlighting innovative achievements.

The Awards process is a programme driven by the NRF People and Culture, and forms part of a suite of strategies in the organisation’s ONENRF culture-creation journey. The winners from these awards will progress into the final round where all NRF facilities will compete at the National Employee Recognition Awards, taking place later this financial year.

The 2024 NRF-SAEON Awardees are as follows:

Milestone Long Service Award: 10 years
Milestone Long Service Award: 15 years
Research Excellence Award

Dr Lara Atkinson
Given to researchers who generate top-notch discoveries and expertise, frequently demonstrated by published work, superior technical proficiency, or ground-breaking research findings.

Technical Excellence Award

Mr Abri De Buys
Honours those in technical positions who provide new ideas, inventive designs, or efficient processes that significantly advance NRF-SAEON's goals and operations.

Stakeholder Service Award

Mr Siphiwe Mfeka
This honour is given to individuals who put the requirements of clients and stakeholders first, providing excellent service and continuously going above and beyond.

Service to NRF Staff Award

Ms Shonisani Eva Nedzamba
Honours those committed to improving NRF employees' well-being and cultivating a supportive and cooperative work environment.

Excellence in Management and Leadership Award

Dr Gregor Feig
Bestowed on leaders who encourage and inspire people to work towards common organisational objectives, fostering development and dedication.

Administrative Excellence Award

Ms Keneilwe Tshabalala-Somtsewu
Honours outstanding work in administrative positions where creative process enhancements and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Championing NRF Values Award

Mr Moemedi Seabelo
Reserved for individuals who uphold NRF's fundamental principles, encouraging integrity, respect, and teamwork in their day-to-day work.

Business/Division Team Award

uLwazi Node
Recognises groups whose joint efforts have resulted in noteworthy research and development or development outputs with measurable effects.

The NRF congratulates all nominees and awardees.