Prof. Wynand Grobler stands among a rare company of people who have had a lifelong bond with the NWU. As the longest-serving Economics academic at the North-West University (NWU), he has devoted an extraordinary 35 years to the lecture hall, visionary leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence in economic sciences.

His career is not merely a record of service – it is a living chapter in the history of the university. This remarkable legacy was celebrated recently at the Long Service Awards ceremony held in the Tsebonokeng Hall at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, where he was honoured for the profound imprint he has left on the institution.

Prof. Grobler’s relationship with the university began in June 1990, when he joined as a young lecturer in Economics after a brief but formative career at the South African Reserve Bank, where he served as section head of the Capital Account. Armed with a BCom and BCom Honours in Economics from the former PU for CHE, an MCom and PhD from the NWU, as well as a Diploma in Economic Impact Assessment from Molde University in Norway, he arrived with both academic depth and real-world insight.

“At that time, we were only three lecturers teaching all modules to about 60 students. Today, we are a unified School of Economic Sciences across three campuses. Watching that growth has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he reminisces.

His proudest personal milestone came when he obtained his PhD and was promoted to full professor. Later, in 2009, he was appointed director of the School of Economic Sciences
Over the decades, Prof. Grobler has witnessed the world of work changing dramatically. His vision for the future is clear: integrating artificial intelligence into the teaching and practice of economics so that students remain relevant in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Behind the distinguished academic stands a strong family foundation. He has been married to Susan for 42 years and is the proud father of three children, as well as a devoted grandfather of seven. He readily credits his success to his wife’s unwavering support.

Mentorship has been central to his career. He pays tribute to Prof. Tielman Slabbert, his PhD promoter, and Prof. Van der Merwe, his line manager for 15 years. In turn, he has guided countless young academics, encouraged collaboration and nurturing the next generation of scholars.

As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Prof. Grobler envisions a School of Economic Sciences where technology meets societal needs, where collaboration thrives, and where both staff and students feel valued and empowered.

The standing ovation he received at Tsebonokeng Hall was not only for 35 years of service, but for a lifetime devoted to education, leadership, and the belief that universities change lives.