NMU’s Summerstrand campuses were abuzz on Saturday morning as thousands of parents and new students flocked to the institution as part of the orientation programme.
Students were addressed by deans and department heads from their respective faculties at buildings across the campuses, as well as Vice Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa at the official welcome ceremony.
2019 marks the beginning of Muthwa’s second year as Vice-Chancellor.
In her address she said, this year, NMU would welcome about 7,000 first year students who were selected out of a pool of more than 122,000 applications. “You have done yourself proud in being selected to study at Mandela [University].
“We thank you for choosing this great university and we look forward to all your contributions to making it even greater.”
Muthwa also emphasised the university’s expectations of all students which included; attending academic related activities, managing finances and community engagement among other requirements.
“You have chosen to study at Mandela University. What our University stands for is a place that inculcates and reflects values of social justice and equality.
“It offers what we regard as breakthrough education, advancing scholarship that will contribute to the improvement of humanity, and which will diminish social exclusion,” she said.
First year accounting student, Mikhail October, 18, said his goal was to pass all his modules on time. The Former Victoria Park High School pupil said Muthwa’s speech was “motivating and inspirational”. “I have a lot to learn and I know that through this new experience I am going to grow as a person. I just want to make sure I pass everything” October said.
Salma Chitsonga, 17, who hails from Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal said she wanted to fully embrace the university’s offerings.
“I want to make new friends, get involved in sport. I have chosen to study tourism management and I know I will enjoy it,” Chitsonga said.
Chitsonga’s mother, Prudence Gumbi, said the family chose NMU due to it being located in the Eastern Cape.
“This province is much safer than KZN. We are very happy she chose to study here. Tourism was her choice and we are very happy for Salma and proud of her,” Gumbi said.
Official lectures are expected to start on Monday February 11.
“Today, you are embarking on a new and exciting chapter in your life story. What you write in this chapter is up to you. I urge you to use this platform to emerge as a well-rounded citizen, socially aware on a global scale, ambitious, positive and set on your individual path to make a difference and change the world,” Muthwa said in closing.