The event, attended by the UMP community, funders, sponsors, and businesses, commenced with an opening address by Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso. She began by expressing her gratitude towards the parents and guardians of the students who were receiving awards, acknowledging their support and congratulating them on their role in their children's achievements.
Professor Mayekiso emphasized that while celebrating academic excellence may appear to be a customary response to recognize those who have excelled, the ceremony carries deeper significance. It serves as a reminder that academic success is not always easy to attain, but it is indeed possible through dedication and perseverance.
“What is more when the values are aligned with our efforts – great results ensue. Two of our values find expression tonight: excellence and inspiration. Under excellence, we say we commit ourselves to uphold the highest standards of excellence in all its actions, functions, and services. We recognized early in our pioneering journey that excellence is at the heart of it all. The bedrock of all our pursuits.”
The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted the value of inspiration, stating, "At UMP, we believe in inspiring our students and the wider community to go beyond what initially seems possible.
"To the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship recipients, you are expected to maintain consistent academic excellence in order to retain this prestigious recognition. At UMP, we will provide you with unwavering support to help you realize your full potential. Pursuing excellence requires humility, patience, and practice."
The UMP community and stakeholders gathered to celebrate academic excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Edith Phaswana spoke about leadership and encouraged graduates to become future leaders that will be able to challenge the status quo.
"Great leaders are morally and ethically responsible. And this is what you should take home," Professor Phaswana underlined. "You must think about how you're going to insert yourself in this maze that I have described. And you should ensure that you stand out not just as academically competent, but ethically and morally."
She continued, "Great leaders demonstrate grace under fire, decisiveness, and the confidence to speak truth to power. They speak up, even when it's politically unfavourable, and they are open to criticism."
Professor Phaswana stressed the importance of self-leadership, stating, "Great leaders lead themselves as the final oneself leadership. They set goals and apply tactics to stay on task and maintain motivation. This develops the ability to manage oneself, take responsibility for actions, and consider the consequences."
Concluding her remarks, Professor Phaswana highlighted the significance of leadership presence in achieving personal success. She encouraged the audience, saying, "You must find yourself in the world out there and take a stand."
Trophies that were awarded to the top achievers.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND DIPLOMA AWARDS
M Motloung (Degree)
D Thamaga (Diploma)
FIRST DIPLOMA AWARD
NN Mayekiso
J Mokobane
FIRST DEGREE AWARD
K Ndhlovu
NP Lukhele
JJ Steyn
ADVANCED DIPLOMA, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA AND HONOURS AWARD
SP Montoeli
EN Thabethe
KENI FOUNDATION AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN ICT
LC Sono
SANLAM AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN NATURE CONSERVATION
BP Ngwenya
HL HALL AND SONS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
NN Mayekiso (Diploma)
MS Mokhwanatsi (Gold)
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR THE BEST GRADUATE AND DIPLOMATE OF THE YEAR
J Mokobane (First Diploma)
JJ Steyn (First Degree)
SP Montoeli (Best Postgraduate)
JJ Steyn (Best Graduate)
DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE
NN Mayekiso (Cum Laude)
DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION
NG Dhludhlu (Cum Laude)
BACHELOR OF ADMINISTRATION
GT Mafu
MV Moyo (Cum Laude)
SM Sekolane
BACHELOR OF ARTS
LP Mamogobo (Cum Laude)
NWC Manyisa (Cum Laude)
MM Mgwenya (Cum Laude)
D Molobela (Cum Laude)
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
NV Maseko
E Ngomane
BACHELOR OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
FN Bujela
A Khoza (Cum Laude)
H Mashile (Cum Laude)
L Mbele
ST Nhuvunga (Cum Laude)
FS Thwala (Cum Laude)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
MK Dlamini
NP Lubisi
BB Nkentshane (Cum Laude)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
N Madonsela
PP Nkosi
LW Shabangu
BB Twala
MANCO members congratulated the deserving students.
VICE-CHANCELLOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
MS Mamabolo
S Mashile
LD Nkosi
M Matlolane
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE IN POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY
PL Legodi (Cum Laude)
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ICT
DN Mabasa
SB Mashele
MN Mpangane
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
PN Mhlanga
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
DHJ Maleka
D Shabangu
BACHELOR OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES HONOURS
MS Mashele
TN Ndimande
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HONOURS IN ECONOMICS
AN Madiba
NC Mathebula
FC Msibi
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ICT
MA Makome
NL Mnyango
N Sekwati
P Sithole
MASTER OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
HP Zulu
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.