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13 January 2025 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Sonia Small
Prof Brownhilder Neneh
Prof Brownhilder Neneh stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation within academia, Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her remarkable career trajectory – ascending rapidly through the ranks from senior lecturer to head of department, and ultimately to full professor – has been marked not only by professional accolades, but by a deep, personal impact on the lives of her students and the broader entrepreneurial community. 

Personal moments of student connection  

Reflecting on her career, Prof Neneh’s achievements are impressive. “The best moment of my career is twofold,” she explains. “Professionally, I am incredibly grateful for the success I’ve achieved in less than a decade. Being promoted to professor, launching my book this year, and being consistently recognised as one of the top-cited researchers in the world over the past two years – it’s all been surreal.” 

However, it is the personal connections with her students that leave the most lasting impression. One student shared a heartfelt message, recalling how Prof Neneh’s encouragement helped her persevere through academic challenges. “You have everything it takes to succeed,” Prof Neneh had told her, transforming her outlook on her studies. Another student credited Prof Neneh’s words of encouragement with sparking a journey of self-acceptance, reminding her that “the best is yet to come.” These experiences highlight the profound influence of mentorship and the power of positive reinforcement. 

Building entrepreneurial competencies 

Prof Neneh’s research centres on fostering entrepreneurial skills, with a particular focus on youth and women. “I wish people knew that my work is about making a real, tangible difference,” she notes. Her research addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including the complexities of work-life balance and societal pressures. By providing evidence-based strategies drawn from her extensive experience, Prof Neneh seeks to empower those navigating the intersection of family and business obligations. 

She also emphasises the obstacles facing young entrepreneurs, such as limited access to resources and a fear of failure. “These challenges can deter aspiring entrepreneurs from taking risks and pursuing their dreams,” Prof Nene says. Her approach to teaching entrepreneurship is rooted in practical, evidence based advice, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, employ ‘effectual reasoning’ in building their ventures with available resources – and commit to lifelong learning. “Training doesn’t stop at obtaining a degree. It’s about continually seeking knowledge and adapting to the market,” she asserts. 

Prof Neneh also advocates collaboration through a concept she calls ‘coopetition’ – where competition fosters cooperation, particularly in overcoming resource constraints. This mindset has been especially valuable during times of crisis, such as the recent pandemic, when industries banded together for collective growth. 

For budding entrepreneurs, Prof Neneh offers a wealth of practical advice. She stresses the importance of validating the market before launching a business, while cautioning against entering fields devoid of passion or thorough preparation. Her guiding principle? “Invest wisely and understand the needs of your target market.” 

Creating ripples of positive impact 

Looking ahead, Prof Neneh embodies resilience. “I wouldn’t change anything in my life. Every challenge has been a lesson,” she reflects. Her experiences have not only shaped her career, but also strengthened her sense of purpose. “Stay true to your values and purpose,” is the advice she follows, ensuring her life’s work continues to create ripples of positive impact. 

Prof Neneh is not only an academic; she is a champion for change, dedicated to uplifting others through her research, mentorship, and community initiatives such as ‘She Believe’, a peer support group focused on empowering women. As she continues to inspire future generations, her story serves as a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is not merely about financial success – it is about transformative impact and demonstrating resilience. 

The belief that “the best is yet to come” resonates not only in Prof Neneh’s life, but also with everyone who has the privilege of learning from her.

News Archive

UFS Communication and Brand Management receives two prestigious international awards
2015-07-07

Lelanie de Wet, Lacea Loader and Leonie Bolleurs

The Department of Communication and Brand Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) received two of the six Gold Quill Awards – that were awarded to South African companies and institutions - at the International Association of Business Communicator’s (IABC) Excellence Gala ceremony in San Francisco, US on 15 June 2015.

The awards ceremony formed part of the 2015 IABC World Conference, which took place from 14-17 June 2015. The department received a Gold Quill Excellence Award for its social media campaign, UFS #FaceOfFacebook and a Gold Quill Merit Award for the B Safe Take Action campaign.

From the 15 countries that entered, a total of 120 Gold Quill Excellence awards and 189 Gold Quill Merit awards were awarded. Other South African award winners included Barclays Africa Group Limited, Mediclinic and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

This is the second year in a row that the UFS has been recognised by the IABC for its communication projects. In 2014, the department was awarded the Jake Wittmer Research Award for a Stakeholder Perception Audit conducted in February 2014. The audit was considered – by the IABC - as one of the best breakthrough strategies used by a university to measure the perceptions of its stakeholders.This made the UFS the first tertiary institution in Africa to receive the research award. The stakeholder perception audit also received an Africa Gold Quill in 2014.

"Being recognised by a global association such as the IABC for the second time, is a great honour and I am very proud of what my colleagues have achieved by entering the two campaigns. Winning the awards is a true indication of what can be done when a team of expert communicators is committed towards engaging their target audiences with campaigns that speak of quality and innovation. The fact that the UFS is one of only two tertiary education institutions in the country to receive these prestigious awards, makes it even more special," said Lacea Loader, Director: Communication and Brand Management at the UFS.

IABC World and Africa conferences 2015 

The IABC is a global membership association with a network of 12 000 members in more than 80 countries, representing many of the Global Fortune 500 companies. It serves professionals in the field of business communication, bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines.

With the theme: Changing landscape: Informing the future, the 2015 world conference was attended by over 1 200 delegates from across the world. Delegates were offered an opportunity for learning, discovering, and connecting. Loader also made a presentation entitled ‘Award-winning measurement endorses sound reputation management strategy’ at the world conference.

The department will also be receiving two Africa Gold Quill Awards from the Africa chapter of the IABC for the same campaigns on 30 July 2015 in Johannesburg.

UFS #FaceOfFacebook Campaign

The university received a Gold Quill Excellence Award for its social media campaign, UFS #FaceOfFacebook. This initiative originated in the university’s commitment to its Human Project, which sets the standard for good behaviour and care.

Lelanie de Wet, Manager: Social Media and Website Content and project leader of UFS #FaceOfFacebook, said the project was born from the need to communicate with students. Thus a virtual friend, #FaceOfFacebook, was created. “Yearly auditions are being held to choose the new face representing the UFS on Facebook. Short video clips of the #FaceOfFacebook – whether it is attending events or communicating important messages - are posted on the UFS Facebook page. The successful candidate holds the title #FaceOfFacebook for 12 months.

“When I look at a campaign such as #FaceOfFacebook, from the time it took its first tentative steps in 2013, and see how it inspired staff and students alike, my heart swells with pride. Often you can see the impact you have made only in retrospect. The ripples you send into the world will inevitably create waves,” she said.

B Safe Take Action Campaign

The B Safe Take Action campaign of the university received a Gold Quill Merit award from the IABC.

The campaign was activated in September 2013. “It targeted on- and off-campus students and staff, aiming to create social ownership of personal safety, and to raise awareness of the safety measures put in place by the university,” said Leonie Bolleurs, Manager: Internal Communication and project manager of the campaign.

The campaign looked at a number of safety aspects, focusing not only on crime but also on being safe from road accidents and stress/burnout.

It is the second time this year that the BSafe campaign has been recognised for its innovative strategy. Earlier this year it received a PRISM Award (Gold) from the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA). The annual PRISM Awards are about recognising and celebrating great public relations campaigns.

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