In the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University, excellence is not limited to our academic staff’s achievements in their workplace and personal lives; it also extends to our administrative staff.
Janine Myburgh, a senior administrative officer at the Department of Civil Engineering, received the prestigious Phenomenal Woman in Management Award for her commitment and loyalty to the Pniel Heritage and Cultural Trust. The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Phenomenal Women of the Year award ceremony, during which Janine was announced as one of nine winners, was held in Paarl last month.
She was born, raised and married in Pniel, a place that holds a special significance in her heart. When asked about her recent recognition with the Phenomenal Woman in Management award in an interview with local community newspaper Eikestadnuus, she humbly shared: “I don’t do it for the recognition but for the love for our heritage and culture in Pniel”. Regarding her award, she adds: “At first, I didn’t know in which section I was nominated, so the prize was a big surprise. I feel very honoured. Just to be nominated is already a great privilege”.
The judging process was finalised in July by a panel of three female judges – Christynn Jacobs, a qualified food technologist, Heidi Erdmann, an art curator, and Anetta Mangxaba, founder of Dizindaba Media. Over 60 entries were received from all corners of the district. The winners received gifts from Cape Wineland District Municipality and partners, the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum, Historium Trust, Old Mutual and Jacob’s Jam.
Janine’s connection to the Engineering Faculty runs deep, dating back to 1997 when she started as an ad hoc administrative staff member. In 1999, she was appointed secretary, and in 2003, she received a permanent appointment within the Department of Civil Engineering. Currently, she is administrating CPD short courses offered by the department.
Furthermore, Janine was nominated to receive an honorary award from the e’Bosch Heritage Project for her outstanding contribution to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of Pniel. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 20 September 2023, with the Deputy Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality and the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University also attending.
Keep up the encouraging work, Janine!
📸 – Ms Janine Myburgh at the Phenomenal Women of the Year award ceremony.
