The Catalysis Society of South Africa (CATSA) aims to recognise excellence in catalysis research by overseas scientists. In acknowledgement of their significant contributions, an Eminent Visitor Award is presented to an influential researcher at the annual CATSA conference. These awards include a lecture tour of selected universities and main catalysis research centres in South Africa. The 2017 Eminent Visitor awardee is Prof. Krijn P. de Jong from Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Prof. de Jong visits and lectures at universities in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and the Sasol laboratories in Sasolburg. He is the plenary speaker of the 2017 CATSA Conference in Pilanesberg National Park and receives the award at the conference dinner.