Inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Circle of Excellence Awards
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted its first official annual Vice-Chancellor’s Circle of Excellence Awards.
As a new and exciting initiative, the awards aim to honour excellence at the point of entry by recognising the top five students from each of the four Colleges, bringing together a remarkable cohort of 20 award-winners.
Executive Director of Corporate Relations Ms Normah Zondo said the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Circle of Excellence Awards marked a significant moment for the University.
Zondo said the awards not only recognised past achievements but affirmed the students’ potential and decision to choose UKZN. “We celebrate the outstanding matriculants of 2025 who have chosen to begin their academic journeys here at UKZN.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Services Professor Msizi Mkhize thanked the students for contributing to a moment of national significance by helping the country achieve the highest ever matric pass rate.
Remarking on the new chapter ahead – one that will demand more of them both academically and personally – Mkhize urged students not to walk alone but to make use of the University’s guidance, mentorship and support services, emphasising that UKZN is invested in their progress and wellbeing.
Four of the top first-year students, honoured as the highest-achieving matriculants across the Colleges of Health Sciences; Law and Management Studies; Agriculture, Engineering and Science, and Humanities, said they aimed to use their degrees to give back to their communities.
Ms Hafsa Mansab, who enrolled for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), said she was inspired from a young age during visits to hospital with her mother who worked for a non-profit organisation, to help people who were struggling with their health and make a difference in their lives.
Mr Ayabonga Khanyile, who aspires to be a voice for the voiceless, said his Law degree will equip him to drive meaningful change and support people, particularly those in his community in Sizakele, Richards Bay, who may be unaware of their rights or how these have been violated.
Driven by a desire to help address the global energy crisis, Mr Cayden Packreeappen said he chose electrical engineering to tackle not only South Africa’s electricity challenges, but also those of the wider world and make a meaningful difference.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Education, Ms Londeka Ndlovu says she believes education is the key to success, which is why she aims to pass the baton forward by teaching the next generation of learners.
Dean of Student Services Professor Percy Sepeng encouraged students to immerse themselves in the full university experience, including sports clubs and societies. He also highlighted opportunities such as student exchange programmes as well as prestigious awards and scholarships available to those who continue to excel.
Ms Karen Suter of the Golden Key International Honour Society further encouraged students to become members of the society, one of the world’s largest collegiate with a global network of over two million members that prioritises leadership, academics and service.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, closed the event by urging students to pursue postgraduate studies. “Even in your first year, it’s not too early to start considering postgraduate studies. Our country and continent need graduates who not only apply knowledge, but also generate it, who shape solutions to real challenges and influence the direction of knowledge in their fields,” added Chuturgoon.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
