Image: Shelley Christians
UWC recognised twenty-two first-year students at the 2025 Top Achievers Awards. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence by recognising exceptional first-year students at the Top Achievers Awards hosted by the Student Enrolment Management Unit (SEMU) in February. The event honoured 22 outstanding matriculants who achieved remarkable results in their final high school examinations and chose to further their studies at UWC.
SEMU Director Dr. Laurence Corner opened the event by emphasising the importance of celebrating academic excellence at the University.
“As one of the leading universities in the world, we must recognise and continue to celebrate excellence. This event allows us to celebrate students' outstanding achievements in their final high school examinations and assure them that UWC will be walking this new journey of academic excellence and discovery with them,” said Dr Corner.
The recognition ceremony was a moment of immense pride for the students and their families, who gathered to celebrate this significant milestone. UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Balfour commended the students for their hard work and dedication and expressed optimism for their future achievements.
“We also anticipate that this recognition is only one step along the path of many milestones you will reach going forward,” said Prof Balfour.
He reflected on the broader significance of academic achievement beyond just grades: “In my own experience as a young person growing up and at university, I realised that academic achievement could mean so much more than just grades. Academic achievement could become a form of protection against poverty. Academic achievement could become a way of affirming yourself. Academic achievement is a way of unlocking new opportunities down the road of your life. Academic achievement could, in a sense, be a gateway to becoming a better self, a better form of yourself.”
Mivuyo Ngqutsela is currently studying Law at UWC. Image: Shelley Christians
Two top-performing matriculants who chose to pursue Law at UWC, citing the University's strong reputation in the field, were recognised at the event.
For 18-year-old Mivuyo Ngqutsela, who achieved an impressive 90.14% in matric, UWC was always her first choice for studying Law.
“I chose UWC because I believe UWC is the factory of lawyers. I don’t choose universities according to status; I choose universities according to the status of the course. And to me, UWC is the way to go for Law,” said the former Chris Hani Secondary learner.
For Ngqutsela, studying Law is profoundly personal and driven by a passion for social justice.
“I’ve always been passionate about debating, justice, and politics. As an African, I see few of us in this field, and bringing justice into communities - especially for less fortunate people - would be great.”
Ayakha Gulwa passed matric with 91.28%. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC
Similarly, 18-year-old Ayakha Gulwa, who achieved an outstanding 91.28% pass, shared Ngqutsela’s sentiments about UWC’s Law Faculty.
“UWC is the best when it comes to Law - number one in the country - so I chose it because I know I would be the best lawyer if I started here,” said Gulwa.
The pride and joy of the students' families were evident throughout the ceremony, with emotions running high as they celebrated the success of their loved ones. One particularly moving moment came from Ngqutsela's aunt, Asanda Ngqutsela, who expressed her overwhelming happiness.
“Oh, I just feel like crying because, in my family, she’s the first one to get these results. We were delighted. We were crying like nobody’s business. We couldn’t hold ourselves; we didn’t know what to do for her because, seeing the results she got from the background she’s coming from, it’s something else,” she said, filled with pride and emotion.
The Top Achievers Awards celebrated academic excellence and reaffirmed UWC’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. The event reminded us that hard work and determination can open doors to a brighter future, regardless of background. As these students embark on their academic journey, UWC stands ready to support and guide them toward success, ensuring their achievements continue to inspire future generations.
WATCH: SEMU Top Achievers 2025
UWC recognised twenty-two first-year students at the 2025 Top Achievers Awards. Image: Shelley Christians/UWCSEMU Director Dr. Laurence Corner opened the event by emphasising the importance of celebrating academic excellence at the University.
“As one of the leading universities in the world, we must recognise and continue to celebrate excellence. This event allows us to celebrate students' outstanding achievements in their final high school examinations and assure them that UWC will be walking this new journey of academic excellence and discovery with them,” said Dr Corner.
The recognition ceremony was a moment of immense pride for the students and their families, who gathered to celebrate this significant milestone. UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Balfour commended the students for their hard work and dedication and expressed optimism for their future achievements.
“We also anticipate that this recognition is only one step along the path of many milestones you will reach going forward,” said Prof Balfour.
He reflected on the broader significance of academic achievement beyond just grades: “In my own experience as a young person growing up and at university, I realised that academic achievement could mean so much more than just grades. Academic achievement could become a form of protection against poverty. Academic achievement could become a way of affirming yourself. Academic achievement is a way of unlocking new opportunities down the road of your life. Academic achievement could, in a sense, be a gateway to becoming a better self, a better form of yourself.”
Mivuyo Ngqutsela is currently studying Law at UWC. Image: Shelley ChristiansFor 18-year-old Mivuyo Ngqutsela, who achieved an impressive 90.14% in matric, UWC was always her first choice for studying Law.
“I chose UWC because I believe UWC is the factory of lawyers. I don’t choose universities according to status; I choose universities according to the status of the course. And to me, UWC is the way to go for Law,” said the former Chris Hani Secondary learner.
For Ngqutsela, studying Law is profoundly personal and driven by a passion for social justice.
“I’ve always been passionate about debating, justice, and politics. As an African, I see few of us in this field, and bringing justice into communities - especially for less fortunate people - would be great.”
Ayakha Gulwa passed matric with 91.28%. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC“UWC is the best when it comes to Law - number one in the country - so I chose it because I know I would be the best lawyer if I started here,” said Gulwa.
The pride and joy of the students' families were evident throughout the ceremony, with emotions running high as they celebrated the success of their loved ones. One particularly moving moment came from Ngqutsela's aunt, Asanda Ngqutsela, who expressed her overwhelming happiness.
“Oh, I just feel like crying because, in my family, she’s the first one to get these results. We were delighted. We were crying like nobody’s business. We couldn’t hold ourselves; we didn’t know what to do for her because, seeing the results she got from the background she’s coming from, it’s something else,” she said, filled with pride and emotion.
The Top Achievers Awards celebrated academic excellence and reaffirmed UWC’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. The event reminded us that hard work and determination can open doors to a brighter future, regardless of background. As these students embark on their academic journey, UWC stands ready to support and guide them toward success, ensuring their achievements continue to inspire future generations.
WATCH: SEMU Top Achievers 2025
