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Unisa's Risk and Compliance team shines at the 2024 IRMSA Awards

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Unisa’s Risk and Compliance Department made history on Thursday 3 October 2024, at the annual Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Awards in Midrand. In a remarkable achievement, two Unisa employees, Tshegofatso Modiba and Phillip Mosiane, both from the same department, won prestigious awards. Modiba, a Risk Officer, took home the Up-and-Coming Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024, while Mosiane, Director of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), claimed the Africa Risk Management Award 2024.

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Tshegofatso Modiba on stage receiving her Up-and-Coming Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024 at the IRMSA Awards ceremony.

In another impressive moment, Kedibone Thantsha, on secondment to ERM, narrowly missed a hat-trick for Unisa as a finalist for the Risk Specialist of the Year Award 2024. Thantsha, originally from the Midlands Region, is currently seconded to ERM and making notable strides in her temporary role, showcasing Unisa’s remarkable talent pool.

In addition,  Abongile Ngxanga, ICT Risk Manager, was also celebrated on the night, having graduated with a Certified Risk Management Practitioner (CRM Prac) designation, further exemplifying the talent and commitment within the department.


Comments from the award recipients

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Phillip Mosiane, Director of Enterprise Risk Management, proudly holds his Africa Risk Management Award 2024 trophy and certificate of excellence

Reflecting on his achievement, Mosiane emphasised the significance of winning the Africa Risk Management Award 2024. He noted that the award solidifies Unisa’s position as a pioneer in risk intelligence within higher education. "This recognition highlights the vital role our Risk and Compliance Department plays in managing risks across the continent," Mosiane explained. "By raising profiles, the department effectively mitigates potential threats and empowers risk practitioners at Unisa to share their views with authority, contributing to the broader goals of the 2030 Strategy."

Modiba, who won the Up-and-Coming Risk Manager of the Year Award, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the opportunities provided by Unisa and her managers. Since joining Unisa in 2018, her role has evolved from Risk Management Officer to Risk Specialist. Modiba shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I am particularly passionate about advancing our approach to data analytics in risk management and fostering a risk-aware culture across the institution". She is excited to continue collaborating with various teams to enhance Unisa’s resilience through improved risk management processes.

Thantsha, a finalist for the Risk Specialist of the Year Award, reflected on how her time at ERM deepened her understanding of risk management principles and their practical application. "Working at ERM exposed me to diverse risk scenarios and allowed me to apply risk management beyond the work environment," she said. Thantsha added that the relationships she has built will play a vital role in her ongoing work in the Midlands Region, enabling future collaborations.

These awards not only celebrated the individuals, but positioned Unisa as a powerhouse in risk management within higher education. The recognition of Unisa’s expertise in the relatively small risk management discipline highlights the institution’s growing influence and solidifies its reputation across the continent.

* By Seyabonga Thipe, Intern Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement, with input from ChatGPT

** Photographs supplied by award recipients

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Publish date: 2024/10/14

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