The Mbombela Campus celebrates academic excellence

Academic achievement took centre stage at the Mbombela Campus’ 2026 Academic Excellence Awards held on 15 October 2026. Students from all three faculties of the campus were recognised for their outstanding academic performance and dedication throughout the 2025 academic year. The event marked a significant milestone for the campus, bringing together students, academic staff, support personnel and campus leadership to celebrate excellence.

Dr Simiso Mabaso, Maboko, Ntombizethu Miya, Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni and Antionette Marais. Opening the ceremony, Campus Rector Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni welcomed guests and congratulated the award recipients, saying that their academic results reflected not only intellectual ability but also commitment, hard work, discipline and perseverance.

“Academic success is rarely achieved overnight. Rather, it is the culmination of countless hours of study, determination, resilience and an unwavering focus on achieving goals despite challenges and setbacks,” she said.

While students were the focus of the celebration, recognition was also extended to the network of support that contributed to their achievements. Lecturers, academic managers, support staff, parents, guardians, family members, mentors and friends were acknowledged for their guidance, encouragement and belief in the students’ potential. Their collective support played a key role in helping students reach this milestone.

Best-performing Advanced Diploma student Andile Simelane and Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni. The campus is also proud to announce that, for the first time, two students received the Dean’s Award, valued at R5 000 each, recognising the Best Diploma Student and Best Advanced Diploma Student for their outstanding academic achievement and commitment to excellence.

Diploma in Marketing student Thandolwethu Ntuli was named the Outstanding Diploma Student, with an average of 90.8%. The top Advanced Diploma student, with an average of 81.75%, was Andile Simelane, who is studying towards an Advanced Diploma in Marketing.

The awards are made possible by an R50 000 sponsorship from NTGR Engineering, which supports academic excellence and student development. The campus extends its sincere appreciation to Abednico Mkhari and NTGR Engineering for investing in our students and helping create opportunities for their future success.

Ntombizethu Miya, registered for the Diploma in Financial Management, achieved an average of 86.875%, earning her the title of best achiever in the Faculty of Economics and Finance.

Thato Maboko, Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni, Thandolwethu Ntuli, the overall top performing student, Dr Simiso Mabaso and Antionette Marais. Queen Kapa, who is enrolled in the Diploma in Public Affairs (Administration of the State), achieved an average of 85.15%, earning her the title of best performer within the Faculty of Humanities.

Thandolwethu’s brilliant achievement of 90.8% earned him the title of overall top performer in 2025 across all faculties and study levels.

Beyond recognising academic achievements, the awards ceremony served as a reminder that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and development. Students were encouraged to remain humble in their success, to continue striving for improvement and to embrace opportunities for lifelong learning.

Dr Sikhweni encouraged award recipients to remain curious, to keep asking questions and to seek new academic challenges that would broaden their knowledge and skills. “Curiosity remains a driving force behind innovation, discovery and personal growth, and I urge you not to view your achievements as the end of your journey, but rather as the foundation for even greater accomplishments,” she said.

Best-performing student in the Faculty of Humanities Queen Kapa and Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni.