Caption: About 2 700 first-year students were formally welcomed at UWC’s residences last week. Image: Sipokazi Fokazi /UWC

Bright balloons framed the stage as the pulsating sounds of amapiano music boomed from large speakers beneath a beige stretch tent, sheltering hundreds of first-year students outside the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Unibell residence.
The excitement built as two brightly coloured mascots burst onto the stage, dancing their way into the crowd’s attention. The audience, mostly first-year students, eagerly embraced their first taste of university life as they joined their peers attending the second leg of orientation into UWC (the residence orientation), following the university orientation this month.

About 2 700 first-year students joined the three-day residence orientation last week.

Inside the tent, filled to the brim with energy and anticipation, BCom Accounting first-year student Kamogelo Modika from Johannesburg captured the electric atmosphere on her phone. Mesmerised by the moment, she smiled as she casually reached into her snack box, nibbling popcorn and sipping her fizzy drink, soaking in an experience that marked the beginning of her university journey.

Caption: Kamogelo Modika (in white vest) at the student orientation at UWC’s Unibell student residence.
Image: Sipokazi Fokazi /UWC

 

“Being part of this is everything I dreamt of when I imagined university life. Coming to university is about more than academics. For me, it’s about experiences, independence and enjoying life away from home,” said Modika, who matriculated from King’s College and Preparatory School in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Coming from Gauteng, and a Sepedi home-language speaker, Modika acknowledged some language barriers but said she found the UWC environment welcoming and fascinating.

After receiving offers from three universities, she chose UWC to experience life in Cape Town. “It’s been the best decision of my life. I feel supported and have a sense of belonging. We’ve received several emails encouraging us to reach out concerning our mental health. There is even support for pregnant students, which really stood out for me,” she said.

At just 17, Nthando Mahlangu from Hammanskraal is one of the youngest students at UWC. After receiving offers from three leading universities - Wits, Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town to study medicine (MBChB) - Mahlangu chose to pursue a BSc in Mathematics and Statistical Science at UWC.

The former Ntswane Secondary School pupil who wants to be a data scientist said the decision to study at UWC was an easy one. “I was accepted at UWC on the day that matric results were released, and I didn’t struggle to secure accommodation, so it made the choice straightforward as the course was my first choice. So far I’m enjoying my life. My res has everything that I need and it's very clean,” he said.

Caption: Nthando Mahlangu joined hundreds of students who attended orientation at UWC’s student residence this week.
Image: Sipokazi Fokazi /UWC

Shameeka Pillay, who matriculated from Hoërskool Rob Ferreira in White River, Mpumalanga, travelled more than 1 700 km to study BSc in Chemical Sciences at UWC. She said her decision was driven by two things - a desire to study away from home and the University’s strong reputation in the science field.

“I’ve always wanted to experience Cape Town and its beaches, something we don’t have in Mpumalanga, but I’d also heard great things about UWC’s Department of Chemistry, which is regarded as one of the best in the country. I wanted to be part of that excellence,” she said. “We attended lectures for the first time this week, and so far it’s been great. The lecturers have been very welcoming and supportive.”

For Pillay, living on the university campus is not only her first taste of independence, but also her first encounter with a community that will shape her academic and personal growth.

“Being able to make friends so quickly and taking responsibility for managing my own time, such as going to class on time, is part of that growth, and so far I’m enjoying the new experience,” she said.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, who is colloquially known among students as “Mr Clock it” - Gen Z’s slang term meaning to notice or recognise - welcomed the students, acknowledging that they are future leaders who will shape the country’s story.

Caption: Shameeka Pillay from White River in Mpumalanga during residence orientation this week.
Image: Sipokazi Fokazi /UWC

“We know that among you is our future best President that we’ve ever had in this country. Among you is our best teacher we’ve ever had in this country. Among you are our future Olympic champions, our Steve Bikos, our Martin Luther Kings. Among you are our Nobel Prize winners, and our dreamers. I’m inviting you to take hold of your future,” he said.

Prof Balour, who shared his own experience arriving at university as a first year student with no friends or connections, told students that despite uncertain beginnings, “it is possible to build a successful future through friendships, connections, and a commitment to reaching one’s full potential”.

He cautioned students that reaching this success requires not just inspiration or opportunity, but hard work such as attending classes, completing work on time and avoiding excessive partying.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba, encouraged students to use various support systems available at campus, such as orientation guides, peer facilitators and development officers who help students deal with challenges such as mental health issues.

“These ecosystems of support are there to make sure that you make the best of your first year. You've heard from the VC that you should definitely clock it,” said Prof Madiba.

“We will continue to cheer you on and do our very best to make sure you thrive in this environment, but the ball is in your court and participation is the key. You really have to participate in what these ecosystems of support have prepared for you.”