On October 5, 2024, the OpaL Students Academic Excellence Awards took center stage at Olympus Manor, Pretoria East, where students, staff, and special guests gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements in academics, sports, leadership, and lifestyle. The elegant affair was emceed by Ms. Doricah Khasalela, the Residence Manager of Primula House, who guided the audience through a memorable evening.
The night of glitz and glamour began with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Student Life Manager Mrs. Lolo Phala who also then welcomed the special guests, setting the tone for a memorable evening. Mrs. Patricia Tshitema, Co-Founder and CEO of Bono Property Group, provided an insightful overview of OpaL Students, highlighting the organization’s mission to empower and support students.
The event officially commenced with a moving poem by Ms. Mmatshepo Makgopa, followed by the first set of awards recognizing participants in various empowerment programs, including the Shesha 321 board Games, Siyanqoba, and NACOSA training sessions. These programs showcased the commitment of students to their personal and professional development.
Spotlight on Sports Achievements
The Sports Awards category was one of the highlights of the night, with participants being honoured for their dedication and performance. Notable accolades included:
– Coach of the Year in Netball: Precious Maroga
– Coach of the Year in Soccer: Phila Mjadu
– Most Improved Netball Player & Netball Player of the Year: Mutshidzi Mphara
– Most Improved Soccer Player: Sydwell Shai
– Soccer Player of the Year: Mandla Tebane
These awards were presented by Mmoni Serima (1st Runner-up, Miss OpaL Students 2024) and Mandla Tebane (2nd Runner-up, Miss OpaL Students 2024) for Netball, and Palesa Mailula (Miss OpaL Students 2022) alongside Nelson Nhlapo (Mr. OpaL Students 2023) for Soccer.
Leadership Awards: Honoring Student Leaders
The Leadership Awards, presented by Mrs. Ntsoaki Sibiya, recognized students who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Key winners included:
– Best Student Leader 2024:Mthokozisi Thaele (Naturena) and Thabo Junior Mbombi (Primula House)
– Overall Student Leader of the Year: Mthokozisi Thaele
These awards celebrated the students’ ability to inspire and lead their peers, contributing to the vibrant community life at OpaL Students.
Lifestyle Awards: Celebrating Student Life
The Lifestyle Awards, presented by Precious Maroga (Miss OpaL Students 2024) and Tebatso Tsotetsi (Mr. OpaL Students 2024), recognized students who made a difference in the community through their creativity, participation, and vibrant personalities. The winners were:
– Best Participant in OpaL Students Events: Mutshidzi Mphara (Primula House) and Nhlavutelo Manganyi (Naturena)
– Creative Student: Ofentse Nhlapo and Nyeleti Manganyi (Primula House)
– Difference Maker: Slindokuhle Gumede (Primula House) and Londiwe Hika (Naturena)
– Personality of the Year: Anold Freedom Mahobatlou (Primula House) and Thobani Biyela (Naturena)
Entertainment and Reflections
The event featured an interlude performance by Nomvelo Sokhela, followed by reflections from Mr. and Miss OpaL Students 2024, who shared their “Journey of Gratitude.” Their stories resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, community, and gratitude in the students’ journeys.
Academic Achievements: Honoring Top Scholars
The Academic Awards, presented by Mrs. Patricia Tshitema, recognized students who excelled in their studies. The top achievers were:
– Top Academic Achievers: Kutlwano Mothibedi and Rethabile Ashley Rampyeshe (Naturena); Karabo Shekeshe and Bandile Bongumenzi Maphumulo (Primula House); Phemelo Tau and Clarah Madelyn Ngqeku (Bono Village)
– Runner-Up Overall Top Academic Achiever: Rethabile Ashley Rampyeshe
– Overall Top Academic Achiever: Kutlwano Mothibedi
These awards underscored the dedication and hard work of students who strived for academic excellence.
Special Awards: Recognizing Unique Contributions
The Special Awards category, presented by Ms. Myrtle Grey (Mrs. Tourism of Africa 2024),Mrs. Sandi Mambi, Ms. Portia Mvulane (2nd Runner-Up), and Mr. Oscar Diraditsile (2nd Runner-Up), celebrated extraordinary achievements. The recipients were:
– Atlegan Sathege (Primula House): Recognized for winning 20 trophies and 7 medals in Kyokushin Karate events.
– Onthatile Monchonyane (Naturena): Honored for her vibrant spirit and influence during OpaL Students events.
The Ultimate Honor: OpaL Student of the Year
The climax of the evening was the presentation of the biggest award, the OpaL Student of the Year, by Mrs. Patricia Tshitema. This prestigious title was awarded to Mthokozisi Thaele , who was celebrated for his leadership, academic accomplishments, and contributions to the OpaL community.
The OpaL Students Academic Excellence Awards & Gala Dinner was a night of celebration, recognizing the hard work, talent, and dedication of students who excelled in various areas. It highlighted the diverse achievements within the OpaL community, inspiring attendees to continue striving for greatness in all aspects of life.
APPLY FOR 2025 RESIDENCE AT OPAL STUDENTS
We are accepting Wits University, University of Johannesburg, TVET Colleagues around Johannesburg – they’re designated residence is Opal Students Apartments in Naturena and Bono Village in Westdene.
We are also accepting Tshwane University of Technology, Tshwane North College, Unisa Sunnyside Campus and University of Pretoria Students, their designated residence is OpaL Students Primula House.
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