On 18 October 2022, the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Division of Student Affairs (DSA) held its inaugural Student Leadership Awards at the Library Auditorium on Central Campus. The purpose of the awards is to recognise the outstanding contributions of SPU students who have contributed to the success of university-led programmes and initiatives through their personal commitment and enthusiasm for the betterment of its student body, co-curricular programmes, student organisations, the community outreach programmes and the University as a whole.
The evening started with an Art Exhibition by the Kimberley Boy’s High School with the theme: Youtopia/Dystopia and a meet-and-greet with the student nominees. Excitement filled the auditorium as students encouraged and wished one another well at the awards ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of SPU, Prof Andrew M Crouch expressed his immense gratitude to the DSA for recognising exceptional student leaders who have displayed authentic leadership and contributed positively to society through engaged scholarship. “We are here tonight to celebrate excellence in student leadership, and it brings me great joy to know that students contribute to the creation of a conducive environment for their peers.”
Prof Crouch further said that at the core of the university is a mission to become an institution of higher learning uniquely positioned to graduate competent citizens who are capable of realising the aspirations of society. “A degree is not solely yours; a degree gives us the opportunity to give back and help uplift others in realising their dreams too. I am honoured that there is a Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award that recognises a student leader who has demonstrated effective leadership capabilities and dedication through their active participation and contribution towards student-centric university programmes in advancing the University’s strategic goals and objectives.”
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Eddy Maloka, CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an organ of the African Union responsible for promoting good governance on the African continent. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of Witwatersrand’s School of Governance, Public and Development Management in South Africa.
Prof Maloka addressed the anatomy of failure and incompetence – it’s a topic he believes should preoccupy us. “We pose this question negatively to think positively about the challenges that are facing our country and our institutions. What really informed and encouraged me to think about this topic is what leaders like yourselves need to start thinking about to avoid the mistakes that led us to where we are today as a country. As I am speaking to you, we are in a country in crisis, and we need to think about what is it that we need to do. And I want to start by talking about the idealism of our youth, and I am saying this because I was young myself. I was very optimistic and idealistic about society and people.” Prof Maloka then encouraged students in attendance and those watching online to become leaders of change with the aim to serve people not only by word but by deed.
Dean of Student Affairs, Ms Nicole Morris, presented the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Award. She emphasized that “in celebrating excellence, the University and the Division of Student Affairs strives to encourage all young leaders in their respective fields to carry the baton and instil the same qualities in future leaders who are, one day going to lead the country into a prosperous future. I am extremely proud and I would like to congratulate all students tonight who strive towards bettering themselves and, ultimately, society.”
Here are the winners for the Student Leadership Awards 2022. SPU congratulates and thanks all winners for their contribution in the success of the university.
The Sports Awards
Sports: Team of the Year (two winners):
WINNER 1: Male Rugby Team
WINNER 2: Female Football Team
Sports: People’s Choice Sports Star of the Year:
Jack Hermans
Sports: Sports Code of the Year:
Hockey Club
Sports: Most Improved Team of the Year:
Chess
Sports: Best Campus League of the Year:
Male Football Team
Sports Office: Best Sports Outreach Programme of the Year:
Tennis
Living and Learning Communities Awards
Residences Special Award: Most Outstanding Contribution by A Student in Living and Learning Communities
Gudani Liswoga
Residences: Most Outstanding Accredited Off-Campus Coordinator:
Oratile Leshage
The Health, Wellness, and Mentoring Awards
Peer Mentor of the Year:
Itumeleng Phoko
Peer Educator of the Year:
Freddie Manyate
Student life and Development Awards
Most Outstanding Contribution made by a member of the SRC:
Solomon Mosiane
Student Life and Development Hero Award: Outstanding Contribution to Student Life Programmes by a Member of the SRC:
Israel Mulovhedzi
Most Outstanding Leader in a Club or Society:
Onkgopotse Leepile
Office of the Dean of Student Affairs Special Awards
Dean’s Special Recognition Memorial Award: Posthumous Wardenship Award:
Dr Thomas Masvosve
Dean’s Special Award: Best International Student Representative of the Year:
Refilwe Sehere (SUSI PROGRAMME)
Dean’s Award: Emerging Leader of the Year:
Tshepo Hilton Madienyane
Dean’s Award: Change Maker of the Year – Social Innovation and Change:
Shane Marvin Wolf
Dean’s Award: Most Outstanding House Committee Member of the Year:
Tshepang Setae – Tauna Hall of Residence
Dean’s Award: Student Event of the Year:
Special Mention: Face of Pride 2022
Dean’s Award: Coach of the Year Award:
Freddy Adams
Dean’s Award: Most Outstanding SRC Member of the Year Award (Joint Award)
Kopo Ronelle Tonyane
Solomon Mosiane
Dean’s Award: Sporting Excellence Award:
SPU Hockey
Dean’s Award: Sportsman of the Year:
Tumelo Molefe
Dean’s Award: Sportswoman of the Year:
Lauren Van Heerden
Dean’s Award: The Alumni Sports Excellence Award:
Elihle Phali
The Vice-Chancellor’s Special Award:
Buza Kennedy Ndebele
Runner Up: Tshwanelo Viquor Ngakaditsile
