Congratulating the teams, Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said, "Your unwavering efforts, dedication, commitment, and sacrifices have yielded tangible results. As we commemorate a decade of excellence, you exemplify our vision in multiple ways. Congratulations and keep up the good work!"
Addressing the UMP choir and ENACTUS, Professor Mayekiso acknowledged their outstanding contributions and noted that the exceptional performances of these teams resonate across the UMP community.
"It's heartening to gather today and share in this celebration. Emerging victorious from tough competition is truly commendable and speaks volumes about the exceptional qualities within our institution.
Through your exceptional performances, you've added immense value to our institution. You've imprinted the essence of excellence throughout UMP, enhanced our reputation, and inspired a broader UMP community. Your accomplishments reflect qualities like discipline, dedication, and determination."
Professor Mayekiso added, "From personal experience, I know that with determination, challenges can be overcome. These special moments of celebration are gratifying. Amidst our celebrations, let's not forget the sacrifices participants made—endless hours of practice and preparation. I understand that many of you spent your recess time on campus, missing the comforts of home and patiently following the conductor's lead."
UMP Vice-Chancellor Prof Mayekiso congratulates ENACTUS President, Mr Moses Temana.
ENACTUS Coordinator (Faculty Advisor), Professor Ferdinand Niyimbanira, extended his congratulations and gratitude. "You have demonstrated that it's through hard work, dedication, and pushing beyond limits that excellence is achieved. Our society faces various challenges – unemployment, high crime rates, healthcare disparities, access to clean energy, food security, waste management, service delivery issues, and more."
Professor Niyimbanira further emphasized, "We must not turn a blind eye to these challenges; instead, we should actively seek solutions. We must be proactive. Where challenges exist, we should perceive opportunities. We must define ourselves by how we contribute to overcoming these societal issues. I encourage every Enactus member to consider becoming a social entrepreneur or an 'Enviropreneur,' focusing on environmental challenges."
In addition to their three trophies, Professor Niyimbanira received a nomination as one of the five African representatives in the Global Faculty Research Network (GFRN) of Enactus. This network acts as an advisory body, collaborating to share the knowledge and expertise of Enactus Global Faculty. It aims to foster a global research network and provide insights for innovative strategies and events that recognize and reward faculty advisors' contributions to Enactus.
"I'm honoured and humbled by the nomination, especially considering the presence of faculty advisors from 10 African countries within Enactus. This nomination validates the work of Enactus UMP and serves as motivation," commented Professor Niyimbanira.
Professor Mayekiso congratulates UMP Choir Master, Mr Lonny Mokoena.
Student Governance Manager, Mr Joseph Mokwatala, shared the UMP choir's background. "Established in 2016 with 25 choristers under Choir Master Mr Shongwe's leadership until 2021, the choir thrived. From 2022, former student Lonny Mokoena assumed the role of Choir Master, leading to a substantial increase in choristers."
He continued, "This year, the university granted the choir the opportunity to participate in the 3rd Dr. S.J. Khosa NPC Choral Music Eisteddfod Competition. The students dedicated extensive time and effort, practicing from morning until midday daily leading up to the competition. With the University's support, we arrived in style, accompanied by our elegant bus and distinctive uniforms. The choir dazzled the stage with their unique attire.
We secured the first position for the prescribed song, won 'best-dressed choir,' and proudly took home the overall best choir trophy. Today's celebration is a testament to the university's support, the choir's dedication, and the collective commitment," concluded Mr Mokwatala.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ ChrisplPhoto.