Jesika Singh wins prestigious award

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at the University of Limpopo (UL), Jesika Singh was bestowed with the Regional Winner – SADC and Country Winner – Republic of South Africa Awards during the CEO Global Pan African Most Influential Women Awards held in Sandton, Johannesburg last Friday.
Singh was recognised as Africa’s Most Influential Woman in the Education and Training Sector, in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and for her valuable contribution to the development of the continent by small and medium enterprises, agriculture, civil society organisations, arts and culture, education, pharmaceutical, mining, manufacturing and many others.
Singh was also applauded for her contribution in the development of women in the education sector.
She reportedly said the recognition was humbling and inspired her to make a difference, especially to young women at the university. “I have a responsibility to ensure that future women leaders become trailblazers in the development of the Limpopo Province and South Africa. Although this is an individual award, I appreciate everyone who support me daily; my husband and daughters, friends, and colleagues at UL.”
Singh is a founding member of the UL Women’s Solidarity Academic Association (Ulwasa) where she’s been mentoring women academics for the past 10 years. And she has also mentored women throughout her career as a teacher and school principal.
She obtained a Doctorate in Education and Masters in Education (cum laude) from the then Rand Afrikaans University in 2000 and 2004 respectively.
She also holds a Bachelor of Education Honours and Bachelor of Pedagogics (B. Paed) degrees attained in 1992 and 1994 respectively from the then University of Durban-Westville (now University of KwaZulu-Natal).
Her career is focused on the development of education as a teacher and researcher. Before her current Deputy Vice-Chancellor role at UL, she served as head and later Director of Research Administration and Development.
Chief Executive at CEO Global Pan African Awards, Annelize Wepener, reportedly said the recipients had been subjected to three judging processes – country winners, regional winners and lifetime achievers.
“Our winners become part of a network of achievers. All the winners portrayed individual leadership skills, good governance, growth and development of others.”

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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