Distinguished Students’ Award won by two Humanities students

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Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) student Mr Lukhona Mnguni and Bachelor of Community Development (Honours) student Ms Basheerah Mohamed won Distinguished Students’ Awards.

This award, made for the first time in 2012, is based on nominations from staff or students at the University. It recognises and rewards outstanding academic achievement together with excellence in community engagement or University service as reflected in the vision, mission and goals of UKZN.

The award gives concrete expression to the values implicit in African Scholarship which underpins the University.

Awards are made to two of the most talented, caring and exceptional graduates and young leaders from final year undergraduate or honours level judged to be most exemplary in embodying the ideals and attributes the University aims to create in every graduate.

‘I am excited, humbled and above all overwhelmed by the significance of the award,’ said Mnguni. ‘It is evidence that no collective sacrifices my family and I have made in pursuit of my personal development have been in vain.

‘It also gives my family an opportunity to celebrate the good work that often keeps me away from them, even if they do not fully comprehend what it is that one is forever busy with. The scholarship encourages me to continue investing towards being a better individual, citizen and leader in our country, continent and the world,’ said Mnguni.

Asked about his plans for the future he said: ‘I have decided to stay within academia for the next five years pursuing my postgraduate studies at the same time, hopefully to PhD level. Following this, I am excited by the potential to contribute in the academic and socio-political life of the country in the years after postgraduate studies.’

Basheerah, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony, thanked her parents and lecturers who nominated her for the award and for their support and encouragement over the past four years.

‘I have recently moved to Johannesburg and am still finding my feet here.

‘I hope to spend a portion of the award money on a community-based initiative and also intend enrolling for a Masters’ degree at an overseas institution next year and may use some of the award money to fund that,’ she said.

- Melissa Mungroo