GEORGE NEWS - George academic Prof Adéle Potgieter has brought double honours home after receiving two prestigious awards from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) at the institution’s 2025 Excellence Awards.
Potgieter, who serves in the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, was recognised as the integrative researcher of the year and also received the engagement excellence award for her marketing initiatives that connect the university’s academic expertise with community development.
Her research integrates marketing, management and behavioural science to find practical solutions for emerging market challenges, while her engagement work is deeply rooted in the Garden Route community.
Through various entrepreneurship and skills initiatives - including women’s business empowerment projects, student-industry collaborations and local innovation networks - Potgieter has helped foster stronger ties between the university and regional stakeholders.
“I believe authentic engagement sparks change across people, organisations and communities,” she said.
“The George community has always been close to my heart, and it’s rewarding to see how academic partnerships can contribute to real, sustainable impact.”
Her efforts continue to strengthen the NMU’s George Campus’ reputation as a hub for socially responsive education and community-driven research.
George Herald recently reported that she was nominated for these two awards. The excellence awards took place in Gqeberha on Thursday 30 October.
Prof Adèle Potgieter with her awards.
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