Some of the first-year students who received the Vice-Chancellor's Circle of Excellence Award from UKZN for their their outstanding 2025 matric results.
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Twenty first-year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) were recently recognised for their outstanding 2025 matric results at the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Circle of Excellence Awards ceremony.
The group comprised five top-performing students from each of the university’s four colleges, selected based on their matric results.
Normah Zondo, UKZN’s executive director for corporate relations, said through the initiative, UKZN aimed to acknowledge excellence at the point of entry and to express their appreciation to the students for choosing the institution.
“Most importantly, these awards are meant to encourage these students to carry that same level of commitment into their university journey.”
Professor Msizi Mkhize, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Services, who was speaking at the awards ceremony said: “As your university, we are invested in your progress and your well-being. We honour you today not only to recognise what you have achieved, but to encourage you to keep going. We believe you are capable of reaching even greater heights.”
Hafsa Mansab, a first year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery student in the College of Health Sciences, said she hoped to become a “compassionate doctor” in the future.
She said she was inspired from a young age during visits to the hospital with her mother, who worked for a non-profit organisation.
Mansab said witnessing people struggle led her to this calling.
“I really want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to help them, be a good doctor, heal them, and give them a second chance at life.”
Cayden Packreeappen, an electrical engineering student in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, said he believed he could help address the global energy crisis.
“I want to solve the world's problems and make a difference. I believe that through energy we can develop greatly as a nation, and if I can contribute even in the slightest way, I would consider that a massive achievement.”
Ayabonga Khanyile, a Bachelor of Laws student in the College of Law and Management Studies, said he always aspired to be a voice for the voiceless.
He believes the degree will equip him to drive meaningful change and assist people, particularly those in his community who may be unaware of their rights.
Londeka Ndlovu, a Bachelor of Education student in the College of Humanities, said she believed education was the key to success, which was why she aimed to pass the baton forward by teaching the next generation of pupils.