The atmosphere in the university library was alive with anticipation as students, staff, and guests gathered to celebrate the second annual SDG Essay and Poster Competition. With applause echoing through the room, the prize-giving ceremony marked academic excellence and a collective commitment to social justice, sustainability, and innovation.
The 41 submissions, 34 essays and seven posters tackled themes ranging from clean water and poverty to gender equity and climate action. The judging process, described as “much tougher this year,” emphasised academic rigor, originality, and clarity of SDG alignment. Entries were assessed not only for content but also for creativity, referencing, and even ethical use of AI.
Opening remarks emphasised partnership and progress. As one speaker noted, the UWC Library was not just a repository of knowledge but a dynamic partner in the university’s journey toward research and innovation. “Use the library as your partner,” the audience was reminded, setting the tone for an event rooted in collaboration. This is about helping students think early about their societal contribution,” stated Anelisa Mente-Mpako, Digital Scholarship at the UWC Library.
The competition had drawn many entries, showcasing how deeply students were engaging with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The judging panel noted the significant quality improvement compared to the previous year, highlighting the university’s growing research culture.
As certificates and prizes were handed out, the audience heard compelling snapshots of the winning essays:
- One tackled environmental racism in South African informal settlements, linking the injustice to multiple SDGs: SDG 6, including (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Another examined the urban-rural divide in Lagos, Nigeria, emphasising how uneven implementation of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) left marginalised communities behind.
- A second-place essay explored how female student-athletes in competitive sports became emerging leaders, connecting themes of SDG 4 Good Education, SDG 5 Gender Equality, and SDG 4 Good Health and Well-Being.
- The first-place prize was an essay on South Africa’s migration policy, critically analysing how recent legislative changes aligned or failed to align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) related to human rights and labour protection for migrants.
Students reflected with pride and hope. One spoke passionately about her research on SDG implementation in Lagos, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and renewed motivation. Another, investigating the implications of migration policy reform, shared insights on how South Africa’s stance shifted in the face of constitutional and international pressures.
Library staff, faculty, and guests applauded not only the winners but all participants. “You are all deserving winners,” one speaker declared, quoting Animal Farm humorously: “All animals are good, but not all animals are equal.” The message was clear: participation, learning, and research are victories in themselves.
The event closed with a renewed commitment: to grow stronger, aim higher, and keep making space for transformative student research.
Reflecting on their work, winners voiced their appreciation and shared the impact of the competition. “This motivates me to continue,” said one student. “Research can be frustrating, but now I’m excited for the future.”
While only a few could win, everyone who entered was already a success in furthering meaningful, globally-conscious scholarship. The event concluded with a powerful reminder: real change begins with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to act. With students leading the way, the future of sustainability and social justice looks bright.
The event also highlighted the university’s alignment with national innovation goals, echoing broader efforts by research leadership to foreground SDGs in academic inquiry. Mendes-Parker noted that the room brimmed with emotion and reflection as the prizes were awarded.
SDG essay winners:
Mbasa Mguye - 1st Prize Winner
Simamkele Nyangiwe - 2nd Prize Winner
Agboola Oluwaseyi - 3rd Prize Winner
Shecody Smalberger - 3rd Prize Winner
Ahjum-Mathee - 4th Place
Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed - 5th Place
Yuvir Naidoo - 6th Place
Mihlali Kalipa - 7th Place
Thabo Handsome Juqu - 8th Place
Gabieba Donough - 9th Place
Gretchen Van Wyk - 10th Place
SDG Poster winners:
Mogamat Rida Desai - 1st Place
Fika Xania Khumalo - 2nd Place
Nondwe Ngxata - 3rd Place
