On 12 October 2023, the Division of Student Affairs at Sol Plaatje University rolled out the red carpet at their South Campus Multi-Purpose Hall. The aim? To honour exceptional student leaders through the SPU Student Leadership and Excellence Awards. These accolades applaud the admirable progress and contributions of our future changemakers, those who have excelled in the co-curricular programme, displayed authentic leadership, and contributed positively to society through engaged scholarship.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University Prof Andrew Crouch emphasised the university’s role in nurturing future leaders. “Student leaders play a vital role in shaping the university’s culture and contributing to its growth. Student leaders are instrumental in fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community that encourages others to thrive. The university is committed to nurturing leadership development among its students,” he stated.
Gracing the podium as the keynote speaker was Ms Nomasonto Motaung, Deputy Minister in the Presidency. Her talk circled the theme “Student Leadership as a Catalyst for Change” and how student leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the Northern Cape province. Speaking of the crucial role student leadership plays, she remarked; “Students, you are not merely the beneficiaries of our society’s future; you are its architects. Your passion, your ideals, and your ability to mobilise and lead are catalysts for the change we desperately need. Through initiatives, advocacy, and innovative solutions, student leaders can drive progress, bridge gaps, and shape the destiny of the Northern Cape.”
“Your energy and commitment can transform challenges into opportunities and inspire others to join the cause,” said Deputy Minister Motaung. “Your potential knows no bounds, and I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion and be the beacon of hope for a brighter future in our beloved Northern Cape. Sol Plaatje University, as the only university in the Northern Cape, student leadership is at the helm of the political and social leadership found within this landscape. As advocates for education and engaged scholarship, your contribution is greater and further region than imagined.”
Ms Nicole Morris, the Dean of Student Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude in her closing remarks. “To all student leaders here this evening, your commitment to making our university a better place is truly commendable. You are the embodiment of leadership, and we salute your hard work and dedication. We extend our gratitude to both the award recipients and nominees, for without your exemplary leadership, we would not have a reason to gather here tonight. Your dedication to serving the student community is an inspiration to us all,” she said.
Here are the winners for the Student Leadership Awards 2022. Sol Plaatje University congratulates and thanks all winners for their contribution to the success of our university.
Award Categories and Winners
Office of Vice-Chancellor
1. Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award
Winner: Shane Marvin Wolf
Office of the Dean of Student Affairs: Dean’s Special Awards
1. Dean’s Award: Emerging Leader of the Year Award
Winner: Khotso Moleko
Nominee: Mpumelelo Innocent Ndlovu
Nominee: Pretty Precious Khumalo
2. Dean’s Award: Outstanding House Committee Member of the Year
Winner: Keobakile Lebete (1st Place AOCA)
Nominee: Lukhanyo Gongotha (2nd Place AOCA)
Nominee: Goitsimodimo Mokhuane (Ra-Thaga)
Nominee: Bianca Ndengashe (3rd Place)
3. Dean’s Award: Best Community Outreach Programme or Initiative
Accredited Off-Campus Soup Kitchen
Headed by Sive Skota and Mmalerato Motloung
4. Dean’s Awards: Champion of Service Award
Winner: Sive Skota
Special Mention: Mmalerato Motloung
5. Dean’s Award: Sportsman of the Year Award
Winner: Raymond Bott
6. Dean’s Award: Sportswoman of the Year Award
Shemar Shay-Lee Chase
7. Dean’s Special Award: Environmental Stewardship Award
Winner: Eric Katekani Sibiya
Special Mention: Chantelle Naledi Serithi
8. Dean’s Award: Sporting Excellence Award
Winner: Northern Cape Tourism Authority
9. Dean’s Award: Coach of the Year Award
Winner: Farhad Adams
10. Dean’s Award: The Alumni Sports Excellence Awards
Winner: Thabo Moilwa
Student Development and Life Awards
1. Most Outstanding Student Club and Society
Winner: Green Campus Initiative (GCI)
Special Mention: The Rainbow Club
Nominee: SPU Astronomy Club
Nominee: My Wellbeing My Pride
Nominee: Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS)
Nominee: Preaching Through Music (PTM)
2. Outstanding New Club and Society/Student Organization Award
Winner: The Rainbow Club
Nominee: ENACTUS SPU
3. Best Student Development and Leadership Project by a Student Organization
Winner: ENACTUS SPU
4. Student Club and Society Leader of the year
Winner: Kamogelo Rae Mogotsi – The Rainbow Club Chairperson
Special Mention: Refilwe Sehere – GCI Chairperson
Nominee: Pako Pampoen – PTM
Nominee: Kutlwano Chelechele (ACTS)
Nominee: Itumeleng Phoko (My Wellbeing My Pride)
Nominee: Owen Beukes (SPU Astronomy Club)
5. Peer Mentor of the Year Award
Winner: Thapelo September
Winner: Mildred Tlotlo Magabanyane
Student Health and Wellness
1. Peer Educator of the Year Award
Winner: Kennen Letlhogonolo Matsha 202207280
Nominee: Goodness Nokuthula Dube
Nominee: Angel Goitseone Matlhoko
2. Wellness Warrior of the Year
Winner: Vhutshilo Makhado
Campus Housing and Accommodation: Student Living and Learning Communities
1. Best Residence Community Service Initiative
Winner: Madeira Residence (1st Place)
Nominee: 1 Bishops (2nd Place
2. Most Outstanding House Committee
Winner: Ra-Thaga Hall of Residence House Committee
3. Best Accredited Off-Campus Residence
Winner: Madeira Residence (1st Place Living and Learning Communities)
Winner: My StudentSA (1st Place: Accreditation Compliance Big Properties)
Winner: Presidential Sunflower (1st Place Accreditation Compliance Smaller Properties)
Nominee: 1 Bishops (2nd Place Living and Learning Communities)
Nominee: Madeira Residence (2nd Place Accreditation Compliance Big Properties)
Nominee: NCB Property Group (2nd Place Accreditation Compliance Small Properties)
4. Most Outstanding Accredited Off-Campus Coordinator
Winner: Sive Skota (1st Place Living and Learning Communities)
Winner: Sipho Khumalo (1st Place Accreditation Compliance)
Nominee: Bonolo Maake (2nd Place Living and Learning Communities)
Sports
1. Team of the Year Award
Winner: SPU Hockey Women
2. Most Improved Team of the Year
Winner: SPU Netball
3. Sports Code of the Year
Winner: SPU Football (Male & Female)
4. Best Sports Outreach Programme of the Year
SPU Football
5. Best Campus League of the Year
Football Campus League
Winning Residence: Moroka Hall of Residence Football Team
6. People’s Choice Sports Star of the Year
Winner: Jack Hermans (SPU Dance Sports)
Nominee: Melk Handri Zinakele
Nominee: Gaodirelwe Matthews Bokkies
