Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa, congratulated students and staff receiving a total of 77 awards for their excellence at contributing to excellence in Higher Education. Prof Muthwa emphasised their excellence in achievements, affirming the University values. Excellence in knowledge, service, and transformation also forms part of Vision 2030 and our reason for being here, shaping our futures and passion for our purpose.
From left, Keanu Kapank, Hayley Britz, Mari Sharp and Locadia Dzingwena
Four VC awards
The four Vice-Chancellor Awards were presented to the top achievers in their categories:
Keanu Kapank: Best First Diploma - Diploma in IT Software Development (Engineering, the Built Environment and IT)
Hayley Britz: Best First Degree – BSc (Science)
Mari Sharp: Best postgraduate award in Social Sciences and Humanities – MA in Creative Media Production (Humanities)
Locadia Dzingwena: Best postgraduate award in Science, Engineering and Technology – MSc in Nature Conservation (Science)
Mari Sharp, Locadia Dzingwena, Dr Lynn Jonas and Bradley Wiehahn
Master’s awards
Mari Sharp: Master’s degree by dissertation: Social Sciences and Humanities – MA in Creative Media Production. Mari’s research focused on bridging the gap between theory, practice, and semiotics in lighting design, addressing the disconnect between academic film theory and the practical realities of on-set work, particularly in film and TV lighting.
Locadia Dzingwena: Master’s degree by dissertation: Science, Engineering and Technology - MSc in Nature Conservation. Locadia explored how chacma baboons adapt their behaviour and reproduction to environmental pressures, offering insights into species resilience and informing effective conservation strategies.
Dr Lynn Jonas: Masters by coursework in Social Sciences and Humanities – MA in Maritime Studies. Lynn examined how maritime piracy in Africa affects cruise tourism, exploring how piracy shapes tourist perceptions of safety, offering insights to help reposition Africa as a desirable cruise destination.
Bradley Wiehahn: Masters by coursework in Science, Engineering and Technology – MA in Architecture. Bradley focused on architecture’s ecological role in coastal landscapes. He designed an African penguin interpretation and rehabilitation centre around the endangered African penguin colony at Stony Point, Betty’s Bay.
Amanda Dhladhla, Belinda Taljaard, Megan Bodley, Elzaan Grobler, Zanele Mndaweni, Teagan Muller, Eugenia Makova and Hayley Britz
Honours degree awards
Amanda Dhladhla: Honours in Psychology. Category: Social Sciences and Humanities
Belinda Taljaard: BSc Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems. Category: Science, Engineering and Technology
First degree awards
Megan Bodley: BCom. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
Elzaan Grobler: BEd. Faculty of Education
Zanele Mndaweni: Bachelor of Information Technology. Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology
Teagan Muller: Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science. Faculty of Health Sciences
Eugenia Makova: LLB. Faculty of Law
Hayley Britz: BSc. Faculty of Science
Aphiwe Hilta, Keanu Kapank, Miekyle Alvan, Zimasa Mbovane, Yonela Mdingane, Julian Johnson-Barker, Neo Douw and Mbasa Ncapayi
First diploma awards
Aphiwe Hilta: Diploma in Management. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
Keanu Kapank: Diploma in IT Software Development: Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology
Miekyle Alvan: Diploma in Sport Management. Faculty of Health Sciences
Zimasa Mbovane: Diploma in Public Relations Management: Faculty of Humanities
Yonela Mdingane: Diploma in Law Enforcement: Faculty of Law
Julian Johnson-Barker: Diploma in Nature Conservation. Faculty of Science
First year undergraduate awards
Neo Douw: Diploma in Building. Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology
Mbasa Ncapayi: Diploma in Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences
Read more in Celebrating Excellence with the Academic Achiever's Awards and Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards