By Carmen Visser

Investec recently hosted an awards dinner to honour top academic achievements within the Rhodes University Commerce Faculty over the past four years, who had gone through the Extended Studies Programme.

Commerce student Keanu Theron, the programme director for the evening, explained how participating in the Extended Studies Programme did not prevent him from experiencing university life to its fullest and helped immensely with his studies.

The Dean of Commerce, Professor Dave Sewry, expressed his gratitude and thanked Investec, as well as the staff of the Commerce Extended Studies Programme (CESP). Moreover, Professor Sewry claimed that the award dinner was a “celebration of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of CESP, and a celebration of top academic performance.”

The Dean of Commerce proudly stated that one in every six students at Rhodes University is in the Commerce Faculty. He said, “Deans are permitted to brag a little. Therefore, let me brag and say that I am proud of the faculty and its achievements.”

He also quashed those who describe commerce students and graduates as “grey” and exclaimed, “We are colourful accountants at the very least!”

Professor Sewry encouraged students of the faculty to stand tall and work hard. “Your capacity to achieve is not in question,” he said and encouraged students to remember to “brag a little bit”.

Commerce Extended Studies Programme student, Ms. Bulelwa Busakwe referred to the CESP as “a privilege to be a part of”, even though she admitted to being initially cautious. “I didn’t know that I would be getting all I needed through the programme,” she said.

She found herself and found a family within the programme. “Do yourself and your family proud! Keep your head up high. CESP changed our lives and we are nothing but grateful,” she said.

Mr Setlogane Manchidi, the Head of Investec Corporate Social Investment, took to the podium to reflect on the state of the nation. One of his key points was regarding the high level of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. As a father of daughters, he admitted to having ever-persistent worries about the dangers of GBV and urged everyone in the room to make a change.

Furthermore, he admitted that we all need to make this country work and that we have lost the “Nelson Mandela Way”. He pleaded with all the students in the room to help improve the country’s challenges.

Furthermore, he reminded the students about their families who rely on them from back home: “Your achievements are not yours alone,” he said.

The top three achievers from 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were given gifts by Investec representative, Mr Setlogane Manchidi, as part of the awards.

Their names and average percentages were:

Top in 2020:

• Itumeleng Malesa: 82%
• Mihlali Lutya: 80%
• Shane Marais: 80%
• Nonjabulo Phoswa: 78%
• Puseletso Matlhake: 78%
• Somila Galeni: 78%
• Nomkhosi Sigudu: 78%

 

Top in 2021:

• Fundiswa Tshali: 83%
• Varshan Pillay: 81%
• Dale Pote: 80%

 

Top in 2022:

• Munashe Sithole: 84%
• Dikgang Makgatho: 84%
• Mihle Notholi: 82%
• Matt Bouwer: 82%
• Tshepang Motsepe: 80%

 

Top in 2023:

• Zintle Kave: 86%
• Ntokozo Maduma: 82%
• Lonwabo Mgqibelo: 81%

 

The Investec CESP award dinner ended with a vote of thanks from Mr Amon Magadza, who extended appreciation to Investec for the ongoing support provided to Rhodes University’s Commerce Faculty since 2009.