VANDERBIJLPARK – The NWU is celebrating a remarkable achievement, with Dr Lucé Pretorius, senior lecturer in Social Work at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, having received the prestigious Early Career Academic Award 2025.

The accolade was presented at the annual Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) Conference, held from September 10 to 12 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. The event brings together leading academics, practitioners and students, recognising excellence in teaching, research and professional leadership in the field of social work.

Dr Pretorius was acknowledged for her pioneering contributions and leadership during the early stages of her academic career. Her research addresses complex and highly relevant issues such as client violence towards social workers, the integration of digital technologies in practice, and the occupational well-being of frontline professionals.

She has demonstrated innovative, student-centred teaching strategies that enhance learning and professional practice. Her research activity is promising, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, grant applications and supervision of postgraduate students. Beyond research, she integrates teaching and research with meaningful community engagement that promotes social justice and empowerment. She actively contributes to professional development and academic service, including committee work and curriculum development, and has shown strong potential for future leadership in social work education.

Responding to the award, Dr Pretorius expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is an honour to be recognised at a national level. This award reflects the important work we are doing at the NWU to prepare socially responsive, ethical and resilient social workers for today’s challenges.” She also thanked the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Social Work Department for their unwavering support.

This year’s ASASWEI conference, themed “Advancing Social and Environmental Justice, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Development through Teaching, Research and Practice”, featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and collaborative forums. It focused on bridging theory and practice while preparing future social workers to contribute to a just, peaceful and sustainable society.