Sol Plaatje University (SPU) hosted 2 273 first-time entering students at the Vice-Chancellor’s Official Welcome Ceremony on Saturday, 15 February 2025, marking the beginning of their academic journey within the vibrant #MySPU community. The event concluded SPU’s two-week orientation programme, designed to introduce new students to campus life, academic expectations, and support services.
Dean of Student Affairs, Ms Nicole Morris, extended a warm welcome, celebrating SPU’s dynamic spirit and congratulating students on choosing one of the coolest universities in the country. She encouraged them to embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and recognize that they belong at SPU.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, acknowledged the resilience of the Class of 2025 in reaching this milestone and urged them to see university as more than just earning a degree, but as an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset to make a meaningful impact. He reminded students to embrace free education with both hands while balancing hope and fear, emphasizing that a strong value system and respect for self and others are central to their success.
Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Mx Nonofo Quinton Oliphant, addressed the new students, reinforcing SPU’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive environment. He encouraged them to embody unity, respect, Ubuntu, humility, and tolerance, to take up space and embrace diversity. Mx Oliphant further emphasized the SRC’s dedication to ensuring that no student is left behind.
A defining moment of the event was the candle lighting ceremony, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and wisdom in line with SPU’s motto, “Light from Africa – for Humanity.” Shane Wolf, 2023 and 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year and former SRC Residence Officer, lit the ceremonial candle and passed it to first-year student Nkosinathi Khangale. With the candle in hand, Khangale and his peers pledged to uphold the University’s values, attend classes diligently, and fully engage in their academic journey. The flame stood as a powerful symbol of commitment, hope and the bright future ahead.
The First-Year Welcome Ceremony set the stage for an exciting academic year, with the Class of 2025 ready to embrace their journey and thrive at SPU.
#MySPU #LightFromAfrica #Changing_Lives_Enabling_Brighter_Futures #FYE
