Student excellence as a catalyst for success at UWC

The development of students, and offering holistic support for their well-being and success as global citizens, is at the heart of University of the Western Cape (UWC) efforts to be a leading research-intensive institution of higher education.

This is the central message of the Student Development and Support (SDS) strategy document that provides a salient summary of the department’s priority areas and game-changers, and how they give practical expression to the achievement of SDS and institutional goals.

There are so many proud moments we need to cherish, while at the same time building a solid foundation for the opportunities at hand and preparing for the challenges that may lie ahead. Our achievements are proof of what is possible when we are energised by our collective commitment to sustaining excellence in all its manifestations in SDS and at UWC.
South Africans are passionate supporters of different sporting codes, and when we watch our sport stars dazzling their opponents we experience a sense of excitement that drives optimism and hope on our campus.

With the Varsity competitions being televised, UWC has the opportunity to enhance its brand reputation as its athletes and coaches showcase their talents and equity of opportunities. Through sport and other achievements, a renewed sense of unity promotes a sense of belonging and cohesion across campus. Sports can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive society when athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to compete and encourage each other, especially during difficult moments.

The addition of the first-year games provides a repertoire of entertainment and fun that creates a social interactive space, and the strong culture of involvement in sport promotes a conducive learning environment for new students.

Sports achievements are part of  a winning culture, serving as a powerful reminder about how to overcome adversity and become a beacon of hope for many whose circumstances slowed their progress but never diminished their will to succeed. It is through these human endeavours that progress helps to build an inclusive culture and make it possible for the child of a domestic worker or a mechanic to become a world champion. 

UWC encourages a strong balance between curricular and co-curricular successes and we honour the many talented students who don UWC colours as dedicated ambassadors and serve as a source of inspiration. This balance must include familiarity with the academic performance of athletes, which reflects the transformative power of sport.

Juggling sports and academic work can be a tricky balancing act that many find difficult to master. Yet, UWC’s support structures ensure that students get the best of both worlds – academically and in the sporting realm.

That is why scores of sports men and women are among the hundreds of students who had degrees conferred on them at the autumn graduation ceremony. Among them were those involved in demanding sporting codes, like football and rugby, and those who have represented South Africa on the international stage.

When I congratulated the athletes who graduated early this year, I mentioned that it was “heartwarming” to see sporting stars having degrees conferred.

I said at the time: “To me, that signifies what students’ success is all about. Not just your ordinary student success. We are not just talking about the completion of a degree here. We are talking about far more than that. This is somebody who has paid a higher price for their growth but also allowed the university to help unfold their talent. These are role models of student success and how universities allow the growth and blossoming of talents.”

It was important to highlight this because I attributed student-athletes’ success to the world-class sports infrastructure at UWC and the passionate and dedicated people who work in sports administration. 

 

The leaders of the sports council deserve special recognition because of their dedication in a demanding environment and a determination to set good examples of serving others in the best interests of the university.

We stand on the cusp of many possibilities. Strengthening teamwork across different interest groups and promoting the value of shared responsibility will go a long way in taking SDS and UWC to greater heights.

Good luck to Team UWC!