Moonira Khan, executive director of Student Affairs, has received the Best Director's Award from the National Association of Student Development.

The accolade is given to a director or head of department who has demonstrated sustained professional service in student development, high-level competency in administrative skills and innovative responses to students' needs.

Khan was recognised for the vision that brought positive change to her department. "This award is not only in recognition of the restructuring undertaken," she said. "It is also about rendering services that are student-centred, and about strengthening the UCT student life experience through the many diverse offerings and opportunities to support the students' development."

Among her initiatives, Khan has been trying to locate the postgraduate students' interests within the Student Representative Council constitution to ensure a more balanced and relevant supportive governance framework for all students.

Khan dedicated the award to her staff and students at UCT.