The 12th UWC Annual Student Development and Support (SDS) Student Achievement Awards was a momentous occasion where students received recognition in a variety of categories designed to foster holistic growth.
These categories encompassed Student Leadership (Lindiwe Mahlangu), Work Study Programme (Adri Kannemeyer), Student Tutoring & Academic Skills (Believe Michael Dalusindiso Valuvalu), Student Orientation (Onkarabile Maimela), Sportsperson of the Year (Gianno Peddy), UWC Brand Ambassador (Raedene Lucas) and the Overall Achievement Winner Award (Adri Kannemeyer).
“These accolades underscore the pivotal role of co-curricular engagement in shaping students' competencies and attributes, which are instrumental for their success not only in academia but also in their broader life journeys,” explained Laetitia Permall, Director of the Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) in SDS.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Among the notable UWC alumni, Daniel Ndima stands as a shining example of a graduate who has made a significant impact on the fields of structural biology and infectious disease research. Ndima's journey, from UWC to the pinnacles of scientific achievement, embodies the University's core mission to nurture talent and empower students to contribute positively to society.
As the keynote speaker for the evening, Ndima shared the principles that underpin his remarkable life story and achievements.
His impressive list of accolades includes being an Allan Grey Fellow, a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, and a graduate of the Brightest Young Minds programme, to name just a few.
United Nations Development Programme Africa recognised Ndima as one of Africa's Influencers for Change, while Africa Innovates Magazine featured him as a leading African Innovator.
“Ndima’s trajectory serves as a powerful testament to how education can be a transformative force and how dedicated individuals can make a meaningful and positive difference and impact in the world,” commented Permall.
Ndima’s Recognition and Achievements
Beyond his academic achievements, Ndima's influence extends into the realms of industry and technology. In 2022, he was a three-time finalist at the Black Industrialists Awards, securing nominations in the Young Industrialist, Industrialist, and Innovation and Technology Award categories.
Moreover, Daniel was honoured for his leadership in the biotech industry, receiving two prestigious awards in 2022 and 2023: the Africa Tech: AI Technology Award at the Sentech Africa Tech Week, and the Top African Biotech Entrepreneur Award at the BIO Africa Convention.
The pinnacle of Ndima’s career came in 2023 when he was named the All Africa Innovator of the Year at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards.
His remarkable accomplishments underline UWC's unwavering commitment to ideals such as talent development and the promotion of innovation.
Promoting Research and New Ideas
During his address, Ndima passionately advocated for the pivotal role of science in job creation, enhancing the quality of life, and fostering sustainable economic growth. He called on students to align their passion with a purpose to serve and to persevere towards this mission.
Ndima offered insights into his role as the founding CEO of CAPEBIO-SA, a South African biotechnology firm renowned for its innovative AI Bio-Discovery Platform. “This cutting-edge platform, combining bioinformatics tools and machine learning, has revolutionised the rapid discovery and characterisation of diagnostic and therapeutic molecules. Notably, it played a pivotal role in the development of an SAHPRA-approved COVID-19 PCR test kit, a ground-breaking achievement that showcased the potential of South African innovation,” Ndima reflected.
As a member of the National Council on Innovation, where he advises the Minister of Science and Innovation and the government on innovation policy and economic repositioning, Ndima has consistently demonstrated his dedication to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth in South Africa.
Forerunner of Accessibility and Inclusivity: Jabaar Mohamed
The SDS Student Achievement Awards also celebrated UWC graduate Jabaar Mohamed for his substantial contributions to the cause of accessibility and inclusivity.
Despite the challenges he faced as a Deaf student, Mohamed took advantage of specialised support services from the CSSS’ Office for Students with Disabilities and achieved the distinction of being the first Deaf graduate from UWC with a B.Com. Today, as the head of DEAFSA, he tirelessly advocates for equal rights and accessibility for the Deaf community.
Mohamed's groundbreaking work on Cape Town TV's "Accessibility with Jabaar" earned him the "Outstanding Person with a Disability Contributor" award at the 2023 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), with the prestigious Honorary Golden Horn Award. Thanks to his efforts, the Deaf community is now better informed and empowered.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for SDS, Professor Matete Madiba noted that universities must continue to champion co-curricular engagement in a world that continually evolves and where multidimensional skills and experiences are increasingly valued. “It not only enriches the lives of students but also equips them with the tools to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world."
“The 12th Annual SDS Student Achievement Awards stand as a compelling example of the remarkable possibilities of excellence that can be achieved when students are encouraged to explore and engage in both academic and co-curricular projects as co-constructors of their success.”
Prof Madiba added that the hard work students put into their own development in these co-curricular programmes deserves a celebration. “These achievers provide hard evidence that talent alone is not enough; this level of growth happens when talent meets hard work.”
