Professor John Volmink has been honoured with Kannemeyer Primary School’s prestigious Flamingo award.
Principal Ridwan Samodien said every year they will be selecting a national hero in the education arena and last year their first recipient was Professor Jonathan Jansen.
“This year our spotlight fell on Professor Volmink, given the huge role he plays and continues to play in education,” said Mr Samodien.
Professor John Volmink, who was born and raised in Athlone, provides leadership on the boards of several South African non-governmental development organisations and foundations involved in education, health and community upliftment. He has helped establish a number of NGOs and is currently the chairperson of the board of the DG Murray Trust.
Professor Volmink also played a central role in establishing the Ubuntu Leaders Academy in 2010, in Lisbon, targeting urban youth living in vulnerable socio-economic contexts.
In recognition of his contribution to education and development in South Africa, Stellenbosch University conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Education on him in December 2021. In September 2022 Professor Volmink received the Cornerstone Laureate Award for Scientific Inquiry and the Advancement of Knowledge in Service of Others.
Professor Volmink said: “It was a real privilege to be with you and your team (Mr Samodien) Thank you also for the honour that you bestowed on me with the Flamingo Award.”
He added: “Volmink is the old Dutch word for flamingo.”
