The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences students at all levels in the Biomedical Sciences department have something added to their view of the world; they have a story to tell. They have been awarded certificates and trophies for their grand performance in the first semester and final examinations in 2024. In addition, the top three performers each year are presented with special gifts. The awards were given to all who obtained an average of 70% or higher in these assessments. The Head of the Department, Dr Nhlanhla Nsele, said the awards serve two purposes: to honour and incentivise sustained academic excellence among high-achieving students and to inspire the broader student body, who are invited to attend, to pursue elevated academic standards throughout their studies.
Rajendran Govender, a Senior Lecturer in the department, stated that the awards have a significant impact on the students’ future, particularly for final-year students. Govender stated that the awards signify consistency in performance for these students as they prepare to transition into the professional world. “For these students, receiving an academic award not only affirms their consistent hard work and mastery of the curriculum but also enhances their professional profile when applying for internships, employment opportunities, or postgraduate study. Govender also said that being recognised as a top performer sets these students apart in a competitive job market and signals to future employers and industry stakeholders, including laboratory partners who were present at the event, that they possess the discipline, competence and work ethic required in the health sciences field. “Furthermore, the presence of alumni and lab stakeholders during the event creates a platform for final-year students to engage in meaningful networking that could lead to mentorship, job placements, or further career guidance,” said Govender.
The students themselves were generally pleased with the event and had a lot to say. These students attributed their success to working in teams. Lulama Ngobe, a third-year student who was first in his level of study, said he did it by “having a group to study with,” which helped him a lot. “The more discussion we had, the less time for sitting alone and studying I had to do,” said Ngobe. Ngobe also said that being awarded for his performance has impacted his life well. “Having a certificate for an achievement makes my CV stand out, and I hope more success is coming my way,” Ngobe said.
Second-year Siyethemba Phumelele Ngobese said that receiving the award is “truly an honour, and it has filled me with a lot of pride and motivation. My journey as a student at MUT has been both challenging and rewarding,” Ngobese said. Ngobese said that he has grown academically and personally, “and it is all thanks to our supportive and dedicated lecturers. Receiving this award inspires me to continue striving for excellence, not only for my academic success but also for the broader contribution I hope to make in the biomedical field”.
The students were also motivated by Londiwe Mahlaba; Mahlaba graduated from the department in 2003. Now, she is an Ilex SA KZN Sales and Application Specialist. Ilex South Africa is one of Africa’s leading suppliers of in vitro diagnostic products. Mahlaba followed her dreams, always envisioning herself wearing a white lab coat, which she now wears in reality. In the medical profession, the white coat is a symbol of excellence, authority and knowledge. Mahlaba’s message to the students was they must strive for success and not let their backgrounds hinder them.