The Environmental and Geographical Science (EGS) Department proudly celebrates Technical Officer Sayed Hess, who has been awarded the University of Cape Town’s prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Service 2025 — a powerful recognition of nearly three decades of unwavering dedication, leadership and impact.

Presented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela at the UCT Annual Awards, Hess was commended for his outstanding commitment to operational excellence, health and safety leadership, and his pivotal role in creating a safe, efficient and supportive environment for staff and students.

Joining UCT in 1997 as a Campus Protection Officer, Hess has grown into a cornerstone of the EGS Department, overseeing daily operations, strengthening safety systems, and supporting academic fieldwork across South Africa and beyond. He has led critical improvements including modernised laboratory safety protocols, hazardous waste management systems, upgraded security infrastructure and comprehensive evacuation procedures — setting new benchmarks for departmental safety and efficiency.

Hess also plays an integral role in major international research initiatives. Most recently, he travelled nearly 10,000 km to Northern Zambia to support collaborative limnological studies alongside researchers from Nanjing University, France, the UK, WITS and Nelson Mandela University — providing essential technical expertise under challenging field conditions.

“It is a career highlight to be recognised for my work,” said Hess. “I take great pride in protecting our students, staff and environment, and ensuring that our spaces remain safe and fully functional.”

For EGS, Hess embodies the spirit of service excellence — a tireless professional whose behind-the-scenes work enables teaching, research and innovation to thrive.