Student leaders celebrated at awards evening

It was all celebrations as the University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted its annual Student Leadership Awards on Friday, 17 October.

An initiative of the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), students were honoured for their leadership, innovative thinking in advancing the work of student societies as well as their contribution to society.

“We are recognising those who have stepped forward in order to serve,” said Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mosa Moshabela. “Each of you plays a vital role in shaping the university that we are becoming. We also gather at a time when the meaning of leadership is being refined and redefined.

“Leadership today is not just about a position of authority; it is about courage, conviction and duty of care. It is about leading both with head and heart,” he told the audience gathered at UCT’s Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika (d-school Afrika). “Allow me to challenge you to carry the torch of excellence and do so with a sense of purpose and align yourself boldly to the efforts that are intended to make this university better as encapsulated in our Vision 2030 strategy and Strategy 2030.”

Professor Moshabela continued: “Start thinking about the kind of future leaders you are going to be. Reflect carefully about that as you are already a leader in your own ways, meaning the future is bright. But the world gets more complex, the burden gets heavier and the challenges, greater.”

He reminded students that a lot of people look up to them as examples of influence. “To be part of governance at such an institution like UCT requires you to be ethical and excellent. You have to be a champion of the issues students bring to you [and] be a voice of reason.”

Awards categories on the evening ranged from excellence awards to social responsiveness. Further, categories such as innovation and student advocacy were presented while several team awards were also handed out. “As much as possible, we will walk the leadership journey with you,” said Moshabela. “The most important influence is going to come from within you – the values that you choose and align yourself with.”

Beacon of hope

“This recognition demonstrates the confidence we have in you. I understand that there are still many challenges to overcome in your journeys. We hope to shape you into great leaders as the world needs courageous and compassionate leaders. Stand as an example and beacon of hope. Your efforts are seen and appreciated.”

2025 individual awards

Phoenix Award for Enduring Excellence: Someleze Mbele
Honorary: Tendai Keith Nyevedzanai
Student Advocacy Award: Zizipho Ethel Yekelo
Social Responsiveness Award: Zizipho Ethel Yekelo
Media, Broadcast and Communication Award: Titi Khoza
Leadership Award: Rahul Rama-Panchia
Innovation Award: Urvashini Pillay
Humanist Award: Buhle Nkambule
Gender Inclusion Award: Riya Pillay

2025 team awards
Science Students’ Council
RainbowUCT (x2)
Surgical Society (x3)
Flourish Speakers
Engineers Without Borders UCT (x2)
Law Student Council

Kerry Capstick Dale Leadership Scholarship
Blessing Gumbi
Ayabulela Yokwe
Ramses Peigou Wonkam
Christopher Pearce
Executive Director’s Award: Someleze Mbele
Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Award: Zizipho Ethel Yekelo
Vice-Chancellor’s Award: Blessing Gumbu
Team of the Year: Surgical Society