First-year students set up for success

All nine provinces and at least 12 other countries are represented at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus this year. This came to light at the welcoming ceremony for first-year students at the campus this past weekend.

The 550 first-year students were welcomed at a ceremony attended by family and friends. Last year NMU had about 1 500 students on campus. This year, student numbers could increase to 1 750.

Excitement was in the air as the proceedings started with a video broadcast from the welcoming ceremony at the main campus in Port Elizabeth.

Vice-chancelor, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, warned in her address that no form of discrimination or exclusion will be tolerated. "In our university, the 'toxic human being' is not welcome... We are unequivocal about our commitment to gender equality and inclusion. We believe that violence based on gender and gender discrimination will be eradicated by entrenching a culture of mutual respect and co-responsibility. We call on male students to be leaders of courage and of social change by championing gender equality," she said.

Muthwa said students are expected to make the most of the opportunities the university offers. She highlighted the importance of consistency and hard work, and encouraged students to take part in activities and humanitarian projects.

David Alexander, acting head of the George campus, asked first-year students to heed communications from the university. He also warned them against "outsourcing" their life plans to the wrong people, as they could end up at the wrong destination. To illustrate his point he related an incident in the United Kingdom last year, where passengers on an aeroplane bound for Germany found themselves in Scotland after the air service "outsourced" a flight plan.

Classes start on Monday 3 February.

Sihle Ngqungumba from Port Elizabeth, Liiyema Dike from East London and Sindiswa Malinga from Durban attended the function.

Photos: Eugene Gunning Francois Theron (left) from Mbombela and Ludrich Groenewald from Cape Town will start their studies at NMU. With them are Francois’ grandfather, Laurie Massyn from Ermelo, and Ludrich’ s parents Beaurich and Adèle Groenewald.

Guest of honour Major-General Oswald Reddy (left) and acting head of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus David Alexander.