By Puleng Maphisa 12 April 2022

The top platinum achievers

On Thursday 31 March 2022 the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Centre for Academic Development (CAD) held the 2021 First-Year Students Top Achievers Award Ceremony in the Desmond Tutu Great Hall.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the following executives:

·         Vice-Chancellor (VC) – Professor Dan Kgwadi,

·         CAD Executive Director: Dr. Muntuwenkosi Chili,

·          Executive Dean -Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences: Prof Raymond Mabuza,

·         Acting Executive Dean –  Faculty of Engineering and Technology: Prof Peter Osifo;

·          Acting Executive Dean – Faculty of Human Sciences: Dr. Lazarus Maleho, and

·          Acting Executive Dean – Faculty of Management Sciences: Prof Chengedzai Mafini.

On this day, the university witnessed the fruit of success following challenging times of teaching and learning under Covid-19 restrictions. Students managed to excel in their studies even when everything seemed impossible. The 2021 first-year students showed resilience in their academic work and proved that it is possible to achieve your goals under any circumstances.

The event was organised by the CAD dream team led by Dr Jeremiah Madzimure, Dr Corneli van der Walt and Mr. Sipho Nkosi. The dream team consists of seven Alumni students majoring in Public Relations and Human Relations Management.

The objective of the awards is to recognize academic excellence and appreciate outstanding performance in each faculty.

“Students receive awards for academic excellence in their respective faculties. Young people are our future, and to brighten our future, we need to recognize their hidden talents. The recipients of the awards possess qualities that will help them to achieve their goals and brighten up our university”, said Dr. Chili during his welcoming address.

Dr. Chili said that the awards encourage good performance and competitiveness amongst student.  The mandate is to recognise talented students who are passionate about success.

Prof Kgwadi (VC) extended a warm welcome to all guests – students and parents who attended the ceremony. He said that it is important to support our dear ones, our youth, in their achievements.

“Let me acknowledge the presence of the Executive Deans as they are the ones who worked hard behind the success of your young children. Remember when we welcomed students at the beginning of the year.  We said we are co-parents, and it is the Executive Dean’s responsibility to do so. Here we are a family that believes in celebrating excellence.  To the students, thank you and congratulations for a job well done,” said the VC.

Prof Kgwadi said that it is also vital for students to have a social life, and he is hopeful that our achievers do indeed engage in a vibrant student life, not just focusing on academics. He emphasised the importance of enjoying life and youthful days as the work environment has nothing much to enjoy.  Instead, it is all about chasing positions.

Students received a congratulatory message from the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC): Mr Maanda Masendi who said he was “thrilled to witness the success of our students

Today is indeed a joyful day to have the VC in our mist and witness the achievements of our students”.

Masendi stated that the VC always asks him whether he represents passing students or failing students and was confident that he won’t expected to respond to the VC’s question anymore.

Certificates were awarded to eight (8) students from each faculty and were categorized as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. Below are the names of the top (platinum) achievers:

Mr Bongani Xavier Kubheka: Diploma in Information Technology (Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences)
Mr Boitumelo Sello: Diploma in Electrical Engineering: Computer Systems (Faculty of Engineering and Technology)
Mr Nkosinathi Menzi Mkhize: Diploma in Labour Law Faculty of Human Sciences (Faculty of Human Sciences)
Miss Nompumelelo Motswi: Diploma in Financial Information Systems. (Faculty of Management Sciences).

The following students also received in other categories:

Faculty of Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences; Bukiwe Nontle Madolo, Thandeka Nobesuthu Makhubo, Nathan Ngoyi Tshiteya, Tshidiso Pascal Pheko, Kamogelo Germina Mokoena, Jim Mafalo and Thuto Kobe.

Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Kevin Mngwevu, Boitumelo Mokgotho, Thanzingannyi Tshamusiyo, Kekeletso Henriette Kanetsi, Ontshidza Desmont Rabambi, Zenzele Abram Maseko, and Violet Tintswalo Mhlongo.

Faculty of Human Sciences; Monica Mapule Teme, Khunyeledzo Nevhutalu, Amanda Millicent Kabini, Dephney Mologadi Marota, Keletso Molapo Mpyana, Mapula Phibi Shai,and  Andisile Mathebula.

Faculty of Management Sciences; Linda Jacky Murukhu, Vh ugala Ratombo, Mboyo Benard Mena, Nkateko Lucas Junior Mathebula, Thokozile Elsa Fakude, Lebohang Mosia, and Rihangwele Netshilindi.

Platinum recipient Bongani Kubheka   said he was overwhelmed by the award.  It had always been his dream to make his family proud as he has always been a top achiever from high school. He thanked his mom for being his pillar of strength and support. It was never easy but focusing on his work and never allowing distractions helped him. He said he wasn’t expecting the award saw it as an opportunity for him to make his mom proud.

In response, Bongani’s emotional mother, Ms. Masetheng Kubheka, said she was humbled and proud of his son. Directing a message to her son, she said:  “I wasn’t expecting it, but I knew you could make it, my son. I am very proud of you; keep up the good work. The journey has just started and there will be more challenges but staying focused and dedicated to your work will always place you at the top.” She encouraged her some to remain humble and continue to succeed in life.

In his closing remarks, the First-Year Experience Coordinator, Dr. Jeremiah Madzimure, promised to take the awards to another level.  CAD will keep on tracking the annual performance of each student who received an award and during graduation, CAD expects Cum Laude merits from the 2021 group.