The Faculty of Education Celebrates the Academic Excellence of Future Educators from UNIZULU

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) through its Faculty of Education recently hosted an aesthetic and joyful Dean’s Excellence Awards ceremony for UNIZULU students, at Bhekuzulu hall KwaDlangezwa Campus.

The academics and students from the Faculty of Education were in a jovial mood to celebrate the excellence of all their students that have excelled in their studies. A few presentations were given to congratulate and encourage the young educators.

The dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Sithabile Ntombela, welcomed all the attendees to the amazing celebration, appreciating the students because of their excellent performance and purpose for the event.  “I am so proud of your achievements, we are here to recognize, congratulate and celebrate that excellence. Being part of the elite, we hope that it will press you to work even harder,” said Prof Ntombela. She continued to state the country needs student teachers that are committed to excellence, student teachers who will graduate at the top of their class and take this attitude of excellence to their schools and classes then turn things around. She concluded her speech by saying, she hopes that students will sustain this great performance and continue to be on the list of high achievers and hopes that they continue to push themselves to excel and not only in their studies but also in their careers.

Furthermore, the DVC of teaching and learning, gave a congratulation to the students’ achievements and the faculty as its strategic vision is committed to excellence in both teaching and learning. In congratulating students and the lecturers for such excellence, she also said that the faculty is not only committed to student access to learning and their success but also through the quality of teaching and learning, we want to produce graduates who will be able to participate in the global markets and the Dean’s Excellence awards event is collaborating towards that vision. A vision that depicts commitment, dedication, and hard work to achieving excellence for all.

Dr Khumalo closed off the spectacular event by giving the students a few words of encouragement that would propel them to do better. She encouraged them to take what they have and use it to create what they want, and they must always remember that the most effective way to achieve what they want is to use what they already have. “Students always remember to invest in yourself and not only focus on your cognitive skills but invest on the 21st century skills that will last because if you have those skills, you become very powerful. Secondly, understand your biological clock, as it’s very important as a human being to understand yourself when you are most awake and then invest in those hours. You always must lead from the front because that’s what a leader does, be proud of yourself for studying in this institution as the University of Zululand has produced some of the best teachers in the country. Finally, please excel regularly and consistently,” she said.

The event concluded by an award giving to students, that was followed by a mouth-watering lunch and choir performance.

-Sinenhlanhla Ngcongo