Student Leaders Honoured for Academic Achievements

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Executive Director of Student Services, Dr Rose Laka-Mathebula, hosted the 8^th annual Student Leadership Academic Achievement celebration. The event celebrates student leaders’ academic achievements, proving that it is possible to “lead and pass” at the same time.

Acting Manager of Student Governance and Leadership Development, Mr Muzomuhle Mhlongo noted, ‘When this event first started, it was just for the Student Representative Council (SRC), and we were in a venue that accommodated just over 40 people.’ Now, it also celebrates clubs and societies, House Committees and sports union leaders.

More than 200 student leaders graduated from UKZN’s campuses and they were all presented with a gift. Westville campus was commended for having the highest number of graduates, while Edgewood campus had the most SRC graduates.

Laka-Mathebula said she was honoured to celebrate student leaders. She acknowledged the difficult journey they travelled. ‘In Sepedi we say “Phiri e mekoka mebedi e phatloga noka” which means that those that have a double mind never succeed, but you have become an antidote to that,’ Laka-Mathebula said. She encouraged the students, as future leaders, to continue sacrificing their time and contributing to the betterment of the country: ‘As UKZN leaders, let us go out there and lead.’

Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Mr Ashton Bodrick, said he was very proud of the student leaders. ‘It’s not easy to lead and succeed at the same time, but you have proven yourselves as shining lights that continue to fly the University’s flag high.’ He added that this was his first function as Executive Director of Corporate Relations. ‘I will remember this occasion forever and look forward to telling my daughter, who is in matric about the legacy here,’ he added.

In his closing remarks, SRC Executive and Residence Affairs Officer, Mr Mthunzi Maphumulo thanked the organisers and said that he hoped the number of student leaders graduating will grow each year.

Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela