Academic distinction was the focal point as the Faculty of Humanities andSocial Sciences at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently hosted its annual Dean’s Student Excellence Awards Ceremony at BON Hotel Empangeni. The event recognised students who achieved a consistent average of 75% or higher across all their modules during the 2024 academic year, reflecting their dedication to scholarly excellence.
The ceremony brought together faculty leadership, academic staff, and students in a formal gathering that celebrated not only individual achievement but also the collective efforts that contribute to academic success.
Serving as Programme Director, Dr Siyanda Dlamini, who heads the Department of Criminal Justice, opened the event by articulating the faculty’s vision and the significance of the occasion. He stated, “The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences strives to be the best faculty on the continent and in the country. With this being said, today we are honouring our students for the dedication and resilience they have shown in their academic studies. I know that this has not been their effort alone, but also that of their colleagues, the academic staff, and executive members of our faculty who have made this possible. Excellence is nothing without scholarship.”
Echoing these sentiments, Professor Allucia Shokane, Dean of the Faculty, delivered a keynote address that highlighted the importance of recognising student achievement.
She remarked, “Today we gather to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of our students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, achieving consistently an average of 75%, which is a distinction throughout their modules.”
Prof Shokane encouraged students to let their accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration to their peers, reinforcing the values of hard work, perseverance, and academic integrity. She also paid tribute to the academic staff, acknowledging their pivotal role in creating a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment.
“Your tireless efforts to provide a supportive and stimulating learning environment have been instrumental to the success of our students. I applaud your mentorship and dedication,” she said.
Dr Mthandeni Mbatha, a lecturer in the History Department, extended words of encouragement to the awardees, acknowledging that by virtue of receiving an invite to the occasion, they had proven that excellence is not a destination but a journey.
“You have spent long nights studying, faced moments of doubt, and yet, here you are, standing tall as proof that determination yields results. But remember this: your excellence is not for you alone. It is a light meant to illuminate the paths of others,” he stressed
Certificates of appreciation were proudly awarded to the following outstanding students in recognition of their academic excellence:
• Mmeli Advocate Luthuli – Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, achieving an impressive 87%.
• Anele Nokusa Qwabe – Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, with a commendable 81%.
• Sisanda Nciki – Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, also scoring 81%.
• Aphiwe Angel Busani – Diploma in Media Studies, with a strong 83%.
• Nokwanda Mkhize – Bachelor of Arts in Correctional Studies, earning 82.8%.
• Thembelihle Asanda Ngcobo – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, with 82.2%.
• Owami Unathisonke Khuzwayo – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, achieving 82%.
• Nazo Fikembathe – Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies, also with 82%.
• Nondumiso Mandisa Shobede – Diploma in Public Relations Management, scoring 81.3%.
• Andile Lowanda Zwane – Bachelor of Arts in Correctional Studies, with 80.7%.
• Musawenkosi Eric Mpanza – Bachelor of Arts in Correctional Studies, earning 80.1%.
• Nduduzo Londeka Nkosi – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with 78.4%.
• Sanelisiwe Xolelwa Mbulu – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, scoring 81%.
• Sinothando Mandisa Mbatha – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, with 79.6%.
• Thenjiwe Zama Mavundla – Bachelor of Arts in History and IsiZulu, earning 79.1%.
• Mbalenhle Kim Nzama – Bachelor of Arts in Correctional Studies, also with 79.1%.
• Nomasonto Dlamini – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, scoring 78.5%.
• Thobeka Mathe – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, with 78.7%.
• Nozipho Gumede – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, earning 77.55%.
• Siyamthanda Nokwanda Mpanza – Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, with 76.7%.
– Sbahle Dumakude
Pictures: Yanda Mjadu
