
Sol Plaatje University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, officially welcomed more than 1 200 first-time entering students at the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Official Welcome event at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on 11 February 2023.
In his welcome address to the first-time entering students, parents, guardians, and those viewing via the SPU YouTube Channel, Prof Crouch said: “I welcome you, the class of 2023. You are the generation that had to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, but over and above that, you had to overcome other challenges. Through it all you relied on your drive and determination to succeed despite everything happening around you. I too was once like you, but education changed my life forever and I believe it can do the same for you”.
Prof Crouch said that education is key to addressing the social ills of our country and to overcome the challenges we are faced with, and it is this generation that will be the driving force for change. He added that the university, in alignment with its strategic goals, commits to deepening its academic programmes so graduates are competent citizens, capable of realising the aspirations of society.
“It is indeed remarkable how the university has grown exponentially since inception in 2014 when the doors of the institution opened to a modest intake of students,” said Dean of Student Affairs Ms Nicole Morris in her opening remarks. “Today, many years later, we find ourselves welcoming more than 1 200 students into the university. You’ve displayed grit and resilience in ensuring that you have a seat at Sol Plaatje University. You all meritoriously achieved your academic pursuits in great strides, and I would like to thank every one of you for choosing Sol Plaatje University as your university of choice.”
SPU’s Student Representative Council (SRC) President for 2022/2023, Mr Israel Mulovhedzi, congratulated first-time entering students for having successfully completed their matric and their determination to further their studies.
Mr Mulovhedzi continued that SPU has become a beacon of hope to the people of the Northern Cape and the whole country. “As one of the two new universities established in the democratic era, the university bears the responsibility to ensure that it is of service to society. It has proven to be an institution that continues to be a light to humanity through its endeavours towards achieving academic success through its students and upholding and uplifting its surrounding communities. This is made evident by the increase in applications the university received for the 2023 academic year.”
SPU proudly welcomes all first-time entering students for 2023 and we look forward to walking this exciting academic journey with you.