This past week, Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) honoured top-performing first-year students for their exceptional matric results at the annual Vice-Chancellor's (VC) Awards Ceremony.
Launched in 2023, this initiative recognises and rewards undergraduate first-year students for their outstanding academic achievements in high school. It also forms part of four newly introduced excellence and merit award categories for first-year students.
Out of a first-year cohort of over 6 000 students, 2 429 achieved a final Grade 12 average of 80% or higher. An impressive 360 students scored 90% and above in their final school exams. At this year's event, the 肆客足球 recognised the top 15 achievers who enrolled at SU as well as 22 recipients of the Achiever Awards, which honour students from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability.
Excellence with purpose
Speaking at the event, which was held at the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Museum, SU's Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Wim de Villiers, congratulated the students on their exceptional performance. He pointed out that the 肆客足球 does not celebrate excellence for its own sake but believes in excellence with purpose.
“We have to continue to ask not only what SU is good at, but also what we're good for," he said. “Knowledge for knowledge's sake is useless. I want to implore you to use the mental faculties that you've been given to transform lives, conduct research that advances humanity, and lead in a way that inspires positive change."
This year's recipients represent a range of disciplines critical to South Africa's and the world's future—medicine, engineering, actuarial sciences, law, international business, data science, and more. De Villiers reminded the students that they are not just excelling individually but are joining professions that will shape industries, societies, and lives for generations to come. “The recognition you receive tonight is not merely for past achievement but also for the promise of what you will accomplish in the years ahead," said De Villiers.
Commending the students for the achievements, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, said he was proud and excited to welcome some of the country's brightest minds to the 肆客足球.
Ramjugernath said he was also pleased that the students had chosen the 肆客足球 as their home away from home. “In choosing SU, you are not only joining a wonderful family and a beautiful campus, but you are also joining one of the top universities on the continent and in the world."
Top achievers
This year's recipients hailed from private and public schools across the country and abroad. We asked some of the recipients to share their thoughts on being recognised as top achievers at SU:
Twin brothers Dylan and Ethan van der Berg both claimed the top spot with a 98.5% Grade 12 final exam average. The brothers matriculated in Belarus in Europe but spent a short period of their childhood in South Africa, as their father grew up in Oudtshoorn. Ethan, who is pursuing a degree in Law, recalls receiving the email about his achievement: “I was in the library when I got the notification from the 肆客足球. I wanted to shout, but as you know, you must be quiet in the library."
Dylan, studying towards a BCom in International Business, said they visited various universities before deciding on SU. “Not only because our father was a Matie, but also because the facilities are modern, the technology is of the latest, and the professors are skilled and professional," he said.
Hailing from East London in the Eastern Cape, Emyoli Sokoni feels proud of her determination. “This experience is fulfilling because it feels like my hard work is finally paying off all the sleepless nights and sacrifices." Sokoni, studying towards a BCom in Actuarial Science, says she is thrilled to be among the top achievers. “My parents are very proud, and given all the sacrifices they made, I am also very grateful to them."
From Point High School in Mossel Bay, Gratia Pauw, studying towards a BSc in Applied Medicinal Chemistry, admitted to feeling a bit of imposter syndrome but is ultimately proud of herself. “I feel so small compared to all the other top students, but I am proud to have made it this far, thanks to the support of my friends and family." Pauw said she is excited about the future and the opportunities she will have as an SU student.
For Ntuthuko Gumede, pursuing a degree in Mechatronic Engineering is a historic achievement. “This is a big deal, my parents and grandparents never had the opportunity to go to university, and being recognised as one of the top students is groundbreaking." He said that before coming to SU, he had certain perceptions of the institution, but his experience as a Matie has changed his perspective. “This is a diverse and new environment for me, and the people are nice."
Eli Abreu who is studying towards a MBChB degree, at the Tygerberg Campus, says he is honoured to be among SU's top students. “It's awesome to be part of the Matie community. My campus is a bit far from Stellenbosch, but it's great to connect with students on this side as well." Abreu, who is from Cape Town, says the award will be a great help to him. “Finances are always quite difficult, so this is a massive relief. Also, just being recognised for our hard work feels great."
