ELEVEN Zimbabwean students were recipients of this year’s Rhodes University Investec Top 100 awards which recognise top achievers in their fields of study.
The awards, held on October 12, recognise leadership potential and students’ contribution to the life on campus at the South African university whose motto is: “Where the leaders learn.”
Amy Rusike, Boldwill Hungwe, Haruperirudo Mumbengegwi, Kudzanayi Mafundikwa, Linda Midzi, Pride Jani, Sarhanna Hassim, Shanna Swart, Sekai Tombe, Rutendo Mudarikwa and Tafadzwa Mlambo were all named in the Top 100 at the university with an enrolment of 7,000.
The award winners – drawn from Arts, Culture and Media; Dean of Student Leadership; Community Engagement; Sports and General Excellence -- walked away with certificates and glass trophies. To qualify, each candidate had their academic and disciplinary record checked.
Earlier this year, PhD Chemistry student Samuel Chigome had his ground-breaking work of turning “bid molecules” (polymer) into fibres published in the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’ Journal of Analytical Materials.
This technology can be used for materials research and water purification.
Rhodes University’s Dean of Students Vivian de Klerk said: “I’m particularly impressed with the way Zimbabwean students get involved during their time at Rhodes, and these awards are evidence that they are a hugely valuable group within the Rhodes community.
“They bring with them the richness of diversity, and a range of very special talents. They are fine role-models for the Rhodes student community in general.”