Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, has continued its longstanding commitment to developing future engineering talent by sponsoring the Schneider Electric Automation Student Prize at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the ninth consecutive year.

The Schneider Electric Automation Student Prize was this year presented to Keshika Govender and Faatimah Mullah, the best fourth-year students in the field of Measurement and Control Projects within Wits’ School of Electrical and Information Engineering.

Donald Mokone, Head of End User Segment Sales at Schneider Electric, officially awarded the honours at the Wits Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment’s annual Prize-Giving Ceremony, which recognises students’ academic achievement and excellence in the field.

For Schneider Electric, sponsoring the award underscores its commitment to building engineering talent and fostering the skills that drive innovation in digitalised, electrified industries

“We are proud to have supported Wits’ recognition of outstanding engineering students for nine consecutive years. Keshika and Faatimah have demonstrated the calibre, commitment and potential that will help shape the future of engineering, and we congratulate them on this achievement,’ says Mokone.

“Receiving the Schneider Electric Automation Award is a meaningful recognition of the work, learning and growth that went into our studies. The ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this achievement alongside our peers and family, and I am grateful to Schneider Electric for supporting and recognising young engineers,” adds Mullah.

“Receiving the Schneider Electric Automation Award 2025 was an incredibly proud and memorable moment for me. It was rewarding to see the hard work and dedication behind our project recognised, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an achievement. As a woman in STEM, it is also encouraging to see the opportunities available to women in engineering and technology, and I hope to continue contributing to this field,” says Govender.

The partnership with Wits forms part of Schneider Electric’s broader commitment to developing future-ready skills through engagement with universities, technical and vocational institutions, and young professionals. 

Through initiatives including bursaries, internships, student competitions and educational partnerships, the company seeks to help equip the next generation with practical and relevant skills for the future workplace.