NWU Career Services Recognised Among South Africa’s Best at Upcoming SAGEA Awards

The North-West University (NWU) is gaining national recognition for its commitment to student employability, having been nominated as one of the top three contenders in the Best Career Service category at the 2025 South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Awards.

A National Spotlight on Career Readiness

The nomination places NWU alongside major academic institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria. For the university's Career Services team, it’s a significant moment that validates their hands-on, student-first approach to workforce preparation.

The SAGEA Awards, hosted biennially, are among South Africa’s most respected platforms for celebrating excellence in graduate recruitment and development. The Best Career Service category is particularly notable as it reflects both employer feedback and student experiences, with a focus on how effectively institutions bridge the gap between education and employment.

Student-Centered Support in Action

Over recent years, NWU’s Career Services Centre has evolved into a dynamic space offering a range of tailored support options, from one-on-one career coaching and CV assistance to employer engagement events, job shadowing, and graduate placement programmes.

The Centre’s initiatives speak directly to the demands of the contemporary job market, equipping students with critical soft skills, digital literacy, and real-world exposure. This strategic positioning has made NWU a growing force in the graduate employment ecosystem.

According to Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services, the nomination serves as acknowledgment of a broader institutional vision focused on empowering graduates, not just academically, but professionally. The department’s consistent delivery of practical, future-focused services has earned it high praise from both students and hiring organisations.

Looking Ahead to the Awards Evening

The final results will be unveiled at the SAGEA Gala Awards Evening on Thursday, 13 November 2025, hosted at the Riverside Sun in Vanderbijlpark. Representatives from universities, graduate employers, and career development organisations will be present for what is expected to be a landmark evening in the higher education calendar.

Whether NWU walks away with the award or not, the top-three nomination is already a major milestone, reflecting a deep investment in student futures and a commitment to long-term graduate success.

Empowering the Next Generation

In a competitive academic landscape where institutions must offer more than just qualifications, NWU’s recognition by SAGEA underscores the importance of robust career support systems. As the university awaits the final results, it continues to shape graduates who are not only educated, but employable and equipped to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing world.

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