BUA Vol 8 Issue 4
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<strong>Vol</strong>ume 8, <strong>Issue</strong> 4, 2024<br />
TUT Music Idols<br />
season one winner<br />
shares her story of<br />
triumph and self belief<br />
By Lindokuhle Nkosi<br />
A<br />
competition like Idols would be every other aspiring artist's<br />
dream come true. To the winner of Season one, Mandisa<br />
Khumalo, it was a journey of unexpected success, selfdiscovery<br />
and inspiration all led by her love for music.<br />
"It all started when my cousin sent me the registration link. It was<br />
just two days before the deadline, so I hurriedly filled in the form.<br />
They asked for a video and I uploaded one of my old covers,"said<br />
Khumalo.<br />
"I thought I would be in the top three, but number one? Yoh! That<br />
was unexpected," she exclaims with joy. She can’t stop watching<br />
the announcement video, recalling how she could hardly contain her<br />
excitement. "I ran for that trophy. I was super happy. Life has been<br />
amazing since then," She added.<br />
“At first, I was calm and confident, but hearing the other<br />
contestants sing shook me. I started to doubt myself and my song<br />
choices. I realised this was not just my shower or my mother’s<br />
kitchen, it was a competition." She said .<br />
Fortunately, a band member’s words of encouragement helped her<br />
focus even more. "He told me, believe in God. That stopped me from<br />
changing my song. From then on, I focused on myself and blocked<br />
out the noise," She said.<br />
Mandisa Khumalo first performance at TUT<br />
Music Idols<br />
The journey gave her new found confidence and clarity about her<br />
future in music. "Before this, music was just a hobby. Now, I see it as<br />
my gift and it is my responsibility to grow it. I have been taking gigs<br />
as an award-winning artist, but my music career is fully focused on<br />
God. Everything I write from now on is to glorify Him and I pray to<br />
work with some of Mzansi’s amazing gospel artists one day."<br />
Reflecting on her favourite performance, she said, "My last<br />
performance, singing 'Ndizobizwa' by Zama Khumalo, stands out. My<br />
outfit was on point and I made the song my own. I sang every note<br />
as if I were telling a story to the audience and their reaction was<br />
amazing”.<br />
"Do not doubt yourself. Do what you<br />
love. I am just a girl who sings at<br />
church, you do not have to know all<br />
the musical keys. If you have the voice,<br />
please enter season two.<br />
Mandisa Khumalo<br />
Director in the Directorate of Extracurricular<br />
Development Dr Albert Mbada and Idols Winner<br />
Mandisa Khumalo<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
EDITORIAL TEAM<br />
• Editor<br />
Kgopi Mabotja<br />
• Journalist<br />
• Asiphe Mjongile<br />
• Phidiso Makwana<br />
• Nosipho Mnyandu<br />
• Lindokuhle Nkosi<br />
• Social Media<br />
Kgopi Mabotja<br />
• Layout and Design<br />
Nadia Ross<br />
TUT Printing Services<br />
• Images and photos:<br />
• Cover: ©Netball Media South<br />
Africa - Ketso Media Production<br />
• ©www.unsplash.com<br />
• ©www.freepik.com<br />
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Pedestrian Safety<br />
Campaign<br />
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Elections yields<br />
A POSITIVE<br />
experience for students<br />
Members new entrant Mkhonto Wesizwe Youth League<br />
By Fundani Mgabisa<br />
T<br />
he past few months have been both challenging and exciting<br />
for student political structures. The university’s Directorate<br />
of Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD)<br />
hosted the TUT SRC elections online, from 03 to 05 September 2024.<br />
These annual elections are held yearly, with eligible voters,which<br />
are registered TUT students.This time logging online and receiving<br />
guidance on how to elect. Contrary from the pre-COVID-19, when<br />
physical voting on campus was a norm.<br />
Post-Pandemic, the university has transitioned to full online<br />
registration for Student Faculty council (SFC) and SRC elections. Both<br />
physical and online students have actively participated in electing<br />
their preferred representatives to lead and represent their interests<br />
to management of their respective campuses and in institutional<br />
(ISRC).<br />
Sandile Ngema, the outgoing Chairperson of<br />
the Faculty of Arts and Design, noted positive<br />
collaboration and tolerance among campus<br />
groups. Second-year student Goitsimang<br />
Sebolawa, who campaigned for his political<br />
party her voting experience was positive. Garankuwa<br />
campus student Fellang Motoung, said<br />
he was incredibly happy as students came out in<br />
numbers to vote.<br />
Members of Action SA's student Chapter<br />
Members of SADTUSC and ANC Members of Student Christian Organisation<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
The Tshwane University of Technology Arts<br />
Festival has been held annually since September<br />
2018. It brings together creatives to showcase<br />
various art forms across the institution including,<br />
spoken word performances, music, drama, painting,<br />
and other art forms.<br />
<strong>BUA</strong><br />
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TUT students bring smiles to<br />
KORWE MULTI-<br />
PURPOSE CENTRE<br />
By Asiphe Mjongile<br />
The Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED) organised a delightful event<br />
for the children of Ga-Rankuwa on Wednesday, 24 July, at the Korwe Multi-purpose<br />
Centre.<br />
The event was held in celebration of Nelson Mandela Day and it brought a large number of<br />
students together, who dedicated 67 minutes of their time to give back to the community,<br />
making it an impactful and memorable day.<br />
Center Manager<br />
Seanokeng Kgosana<br />
The Center looks after over hundred vulnerable children from the immediate community and<br />
provides meals on a daily basis.<br />
Olga Shikwane, the Social Auxiliary worker at the Center, emphasised the challenges they face,<br />
particularly in providing meals for the growing number of children. Additionally, she highlighted<br />
the need for educational resources.<br />
As a response to some of these needs, SAED donated non perishable food items and mobilised<br />
volunteers to plant a vegetable garden.<br />
The volunteer also played fun-filled activities with the children , including face painting,<br />
dancing, indigenous games and drawing activities . Student, Isaiah Makuasaid volunteering was<br />
fulfilling. "The event not only provided valuable resources, but also support to those in need<br />
while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among the community of Ga-Rankuwa," he<br />
explained.<br />
TUT Sports Head of<br />
Department,Dumisani Chauke<br />
"What counts in this life is not the fact<br />
that we lived, but the significance we<br />
have made.”<br />
Dumisani Chauke, Head of the Department (HOD) for TUT Sports<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>unteers planting a<br />
vegetable garden<br />
Officials from SAED and volunteers donating food parcles<br />
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Disability Unit<br />
Students and alumni attended the event to celebrate excellence<br />
Celebrates Excellence in the Community<br />
By Fundani Mgabisa<br />
The University’s Disability Unit hosted an event to celebrate<br />
the remarkable talents and contributions of persons with<br />
disabilities On Tuesday, September 10. This initiative was<br />
held in collaboration with the Student Development Support (SDS),<br />
Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity, and the Directorate of<br />
Health and Wellness.<br />
The day was filled with many activities including spoken word<br />
performances, rap and singing. Alumni who have made significant<br />
contributions in their respective fields were recognised, such as Thuto<br />
Chopo, an emerging businessperson and artist.<br />
Calvin Mogajane, a renowned master of ceremonies who has excelled<br />
despite being blind was also recognised.Business Administration student<br />
Abongile Mthamo was also celebrated for academic excellence, having<br />
achieved distinctions in her undergraduate studies.<br />
Dr Gift Chweu,Head of the SDS Department, said the annual event<br />
aims to mobilise support from various faculties to learn more about the<br />
plight of persons with disabilities but also to appreciate their indelible<br />
contribution.<br />
Phathi Makuvire, a National Professional Development Specialist,<br />
presented insights on new Artificial Intelligence technologies designed<br />
to assist students with special needs in achieving academic success.She<br />
underscored the importance of accessible education and encouraged<br />
students to make use of technological advancements.<br />
Ivy Morulane, the Institutional Disability Unit Coordinator, emphasised<br />
that the event fostered inclusion and a sense of belonging.<br />
“Even with insightful conversations<br />
shared throughout this awareness event,<br />
let us remember that our work is far from<br />
over. The path towards true inclusion is a<br />
continuous journey that requires ongoing<br />
commitment, action, and vigilance from<br />
our entire university community.”<br />
Ivy Morulane<br />
Thuto Chopo<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
Orion Residence Triumphs in the<br />
2024 TUT Inter-Res Debate<br />
Competition<br />
The 2024 TUT Inter-Residence Debate Competition, held from<br />
August 20th to 27th tackled some of society's most pressing social<br />
issues. The event brought together seven residences—Minjonet,<br />
Polonaise, Astra, Orion, Monitor, Heidehof, and Lizard—to debate social<br />
ills such mental health, substance abuse, and gender-based violence<br />
(GBV).<br />
The competition commenced on the 20th of August with the motion:<br />
"This House believes that students with mental illness should get<br />
exemption from exams." This debate underscored the challenges faced<br />
by students struggling with mental health issues, balancing academic<br />
integrity with the need for institutional support . The discussions were<br />
empathetic and well-reasoned, highlighting the importance of mental<br />
health awareness within the educational system.<br />
On August 21st, the focus shifted to substance abuse with the motion:<br />
"This House believes that harm reduction strategies are more effective<br />
than abstinence-only approaches to addressing substance abuse."<br />
Participants engaged in a robust discussion about the efficacy of harm<br />
reduction versus abstinence, examining which approach better addresses<br />
the complexity substance abuse. The arguments were insightful and<br />
thought-provoking, demonstrating commitment to understanding and<br />
solving this critical issue.<br />
The grand finale, held on the 27 th of August, centred on the motion: "This<br />
House supports the #MeToo movement." In this powerful final debate,<br />
teams explored the significance of the #MeToo movement in combating<br />
gender-based violence and advocating for social justice. The discussions<br />
were intense and impactful with debaters articulating the movement's<br />
role in challenging societal norms and supporting survivors. Orion<br />
Residence emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional debating skills<br />
and a profound understanding of the topics. Their win not only marked<br />
a triumph in the competition but also emphasised the importance of<br />
engaging in meaningful dialogue about the social issues affecting<br />
us all.<br />
Lethlogonolo Mpho Manyuha, Debate Coach<br />
Arts and Acardia<br />
Miratul Tshinshipela Fundi<br />
Journey of an<br />
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT<br />
By Miratul Tshinshipela Fundi<br />
My name is Miratul Tshinshipela Fundi. I am a graduate with a<br />
higher certificate in electrical engineering, currently enrolled<br />
as a student at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT),<br />
pursuing a BEng Tech in Civil Engineering. I am leading an incredible<br />
academic team under the Tshwane University of Technology South African<br />
Institution of Civil Engineering (TUTSAICE Student Chapter), and I, as an<br />
Academic Officer at the International Student Organisation Council (ISO<br />
Council).<br />
Throughout my academic journey I had the opportunity to work as<br />
a Student Assistant at the Civil Engineering Department. I believe<br />
that within TUT a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds I find<br />
inspiration. TUT had profound impact on my educational experience as an<br />
international student originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo<br />
(DRC).<br />
As I reflect on my time at TUT, I am filled with mixed emotions;<br />
excitement, gratitude, and a hint of nostalgia. I had the privilege of<br />
calling TUT my home away from home. From the moment I arrived on<br />
campus I was confused but I had faith in the structure put in place at TUT<br />
for international students<br />
Despite being far from my family and friends, I felt a sense of belonging<br />
and connection with other fellow students from diverse backgrounds and<br />
places in South Africa, they have taught me so many languages and ways<br />
around South Africa and I am deeply grateful.<br />
Academically, TUT offered me a world-class education that challenged me<br />
to grow and pushed me to reach my full potential. I had a deep love for<br />
building and infrastructure, but I was not able to enrol in civil engineering<br />
at that time. It pushed me to perform well to be able to apply for it in<br />
2020.<br />
The lecturers were knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to lend<br />
a helping hand because without them I would not be able to soar with<br />
greater heights. I have to highlight that TUT has to reinforce the structure<br />
in order to offer students the level of support and assistance they need.<br />
The training of stuff must be more inclusive in terms of language as it is a<br />
first step towards communication and English is universal.<br />
However, my experience was not without challenges. As I prepare to<br />
graduate, I am filled with gratitude for next year. I value the lifelong<br />
friendships, and invaluable lessons I learned at TUT. If you are an<br />
international student considering studying at TUT, I say “take the leap!<br />
You will not regret it. I went from better to great and empowered.”<br />
<strong>BUA</strong><br />
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Vice-Chancellor & Principal<br />
reviews book of the month<br />
By Nosipho Mnyandu<br />
The Dinokeng building at Pretoria Campus was nothing short<br />
of inspiration as the Vice-Chancellor & Principal Professor<br />
Tinyiko Maluleke reviewed his favourite book for the<br />
Women’s month titled An Ode To My Mother-In-Law by Dr Gloria<br />
Tomatoe Serobe.<br />
“I wrote this book because I believe<br />
that stories of wonderful mothers are<br />
hardly told. Books are less likely to bring<br />
attention unlike commercial shows that<br />
we see on public platforms”<br />
Dr Gloria Tomatoe Serobe<br />
In this book written as a homage to her late mother-in-law,<br />
Serobe speaks about the relationship she shared with her, the<br />
teachings, lessons, difficulties, and most importantly, the love<br />
and support she received from her.<br />
Executive Dean of the<br />
Faculty of Science<br />
Professor Ntebogeng<br />
Mokgalaka stated that<br />
the narrative applauds<br />
the special relationship<br />
that bridges the age<br />
gaps, highlighting the<br />
significance of family<br />
ties and the impact of<br />
women in fostering and<br />
guiding. “In a society<br />
where the relationships<br />
between a makotis and<br />
their mothers-in-law are<br />
often vilified , and with so many stories that we<br />
hear and some of us experience about our mothers-in-law, stories<br />
that are portrayed are hardly good stories,” she concluded.<br />
“After I lost my mother, my mother-in-law came and slept beside<br />
me. As we were tossing and turning, she would put her hand on<br />
my shoulder, and that was her way of letting me know that I still<br />
have a mother in her even after my tragedy.”<br />
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke highlighted some of his favourite<br />
quotes and discoveries from the book. “I think the most striking<br />
aspect of this book by Dr Gloria Serobe is the least obvious. When<br />
we read it, we must read all the lines. We must read between the<br />
lines, read above the lines, read behind and below the lines,” he<br />
stated. He further added that this book resonates well with the<br />
month of August because it tells a story of a woman supporting a<br />
woman.<br />
Proffesor Ntebogeng Mokgalaka, Executive Dean of the Faculty of<br />
Science, expressing her sentiments about the book<br />
Proffesor Tinyiko Maluleke shares his<br />
views upon reading the book<br />
Dr Gloria Serobe is gifted with flowers as a token of appreciation for<br />
her dedicated time and patience<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
Industrial Engineering graduate<br />
BREAKS BARRIERS<br />
By Asiphe Mjongile<br />
Thato Mokhela, an alumna, holding a bachelor’s degree in<br />
industrial engineering has transformed her childhood dream into<br />
reality. Born and raised in Itsoseng, a small township between<br />
Lichtenburg and Mahikeng in the Northwest, Thato founded a youth<br />
movement called The Spear while still a student. This movement<br />
is dedicated to empowering the youth by providing them with the<br />
necessary resources to run businesses.<br />
In addition to founding The Spear, Thato has also successfully launched<br />
her own clothing company. Together with her team, she designs clothing<br />
and hosts events that focus on youth entrepreneurship and digital<br />
skills enhancement. Notably, she has employed TUT students in various<br />
leadership positions, including sales and modelling, illustrating her<br />
commitment to nurturing talent within the university.<br />
Mokhela said achieving her goals required unwavering discipline. She<br />
emphasises the importance of discipline in overcoming setbacks and<br />
staying focused on the path to success, highlighting the need to start<br />
over each time one falls short of a goal.<br />
Her journey has not been without its share of obstacles, as she has<br />
faced resistance, loss, rejection and prejudice. However, she has<br />
developed a determined mindset to overcome these adversities,<br />
leveraging her education in Industrial Engineering to shape her<br />
business and emerge as a successful Chief Executive Officer (CEO).<br />
She is currently undergoing a graduate training program at Alstom, a<br />
prominent company in the rail industry.<br />
Morema Rodney Phukunye, the Chairperson<br />
of The Spear, describes Mokhele as a<br />
truly inspiring leader. He commends her<br />
open-mindedness and her eagerness to<br />
embrace innovative ideas and perspectives,<br />
particularly those of the youth.<br />
Thato Mokhela<br />
Thato Ya Modimo Dlalisa<br />
THATO YA MODIMO<br />
DLALISA’S<br />
impressive journey in student<br />
politics<br />
By Asiphe Mjongile<br />
Thato Ya Modimo Dlalisa, a 21-year-old third-year student<br />
majoring in clinical engineering, has made a name for herself<br />
in the world of student politics. Thato has shown exceptional<br />
leadership skills, becoming the uncontested 2023/2024 Student<br />
Faculty Council Chairperson for the Faculty of Engineering and Built<br />
Environment (FEBE).<br />
Thato highlighted that her journey in politics began when she joined<br />
the South African Student Congress (SASCO) in 2021.She is driven by the<br />
organisation’s mandate and the meaning behind its logo, “first friend<br />
on campus”. This experience sparked a passion for politics, which has<br />
since become a defining aspect of her life.<br />
She organised two unforgettable events, the<br />
launch of the Council of Built Environment<br />
Youth Assembly and Women’s month<br />
celebration. The inaugural event took<br />
place on June 21, 2024. Thato serve as<br />
a panellist facilitator, engaging with<br />
various stakeholders in the Engineering<br />
and Built Environment on topics such<br />
as registrations, policy formulation, and<br />
advocacy for inclusivity and diversity.<br />
She said organising the Built Environment Women's Network and the<br />
Council of Built Environment (CBE), the Women's Month Celebration<br />
event was a huge success. Thato mobilised donations from several<br />
sources, such as the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA),<br />
the FEBE departments, the Dean's office, and the local councillor.<br />
Consequently, 1000 packets of sanitary towels were collected, and 250<br />
dignity packs were given to individuals in need.<br />
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The Directorate of<br />
Extracurricular Development<br />
celebrates women<br />
through Conversations<br />
Ladies celebrated Women's month at the Leadership<br />
By Nosipho Mnyandu<br />
The Pretoria campus recently hosted a memorable event, titled “Women Crush<br />
Wednesday Conversations,” which brought students together to celebrate<br />
women and to address key issues affecting them.<br />
The inaugural dialogue session provided a platform for discussing women's concerns.<br />
Keynote speaker, Nomsa Kulehile spoke about the challenges faced by women; and<br />
students actively engaged with the topic by sharing their thoughts, sentiments, and<br />
potential solutions to the issues raised during the discussion.<br />
Kulehile encouraged young women to take every opportunity to empower themselves<br />
to take up their place in every space they occupy.<br />
“It is important to be meticulous about what you carry in your cup. Your cup cannot<br />
overflow with what you do not have,” she said.<br />
Also speaking, Carol Vilakazi from the Student Governance and Leadership<br />
Development encouraged the ladies to speak out and have the courage to walk away<br />
when they are facing Gender- Based Violence in relationships.<br />
“I encourage girls to be kinder to each other, take care of one another as sisters, be<br />
there for each other and build each other as mbokodos,” she said.<br />
Carol Vilakazi<br />
"It is important to be meticulous about what you<br />
carry in your cup. Your cup cannot overflow with<br />
what you do not have,”<br />
Nomsa Kulehile<br />
Nomsa Kulehile<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
MENTAL HEALTH<br />
under the spotlight<br />
By Nosipho Mnyandu<br />
The International Students Organisation (ISO) hosted a<br />
seminar at the Pretoria Campus. This initiative was aimed<br />
at counseling students about mental health issues and to<br />
equip them with tools to cope with demanding academics.<br />
Speaking on the day, Dr Festus Oluwadane, from the Faculty<br />
of Engineering and the Built Environment encouraged students<br />
to dream big. He said it was important to remember that they<br />
carry hope for their families, adding that they should strive to<br />
reach the greater milestones in academia to access limitless<br />
opportunities.<br />
He shared his difficult journey to<br />
obtaining a Doctorate. He urged<br />
students to keep focus and to yearn for<br />
knowledge so they can become credible<br />
leaders in their respective industries.<br />
He concluded by quoting the late<br />
statesman, Nelson Mandela, “Education<br />
is the most powerful weapon that you<br />
can use to change the world.”<br />
Grace Mutoko, inspirational speaker<br />
The inspirational speaker, Grace Motoko, advised students<br />
to seek help when feeling under pressure. She said students<br />
should manage their time carefully to ensure that they cope<br />
with the demands of academics. She also encouraged them to<br />
build a community among themselves to encourage one another,<br />
especially since many were from far-flung places.<br />
Members of the International Student Organisation<br />
Students and speakers gathered at the ISO mental health seminar<br />
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Cultural and Musical<br />
Event Encourages Unity in Diversity<br />
By Fundani Mgabisa<br />
RISING STAR<br />
in distance running<br />
By Asiphe Mjongile<br />
Morema Rodney Phukubye, a second-year student studying<br />
crop production, has made a name for himself in the<br />
distance running race.<br />
TUT Ga-Rankuwa choir performing Give Me My Soul, a classical choral<br />
piece<br />
The Directorate of Extracurricular Development (DED) Choral<br />
Music Society hosted a cultural and music event at the Ga-<br />
Rankuwa Campus on Wednesday, September 11, celebrating<br />
cultural diversity and promoting gender inclusivity.<br />
The event featured various activities including musical<br />
performances and dance. Campus choir member showcased their<br />
versatile talents by performing multiple music genres such as choral,<br />
gospel, and hip-hop.<br />
Guest artist Andiswa “Andz” Mbabane, performed “Count on Me”<br />
alongside the TUT quartet ladies- Angela Mashaba, Amukelane<br />
Chauke, Sinethemba Mkhwanazi, and Tumelo Tshikombeni.Other<br />
highlights included performances by the South African Army HQ Choir<br />
and the South Africa Air Force Choir.<br />
He holds a remarkable second place finish in the 10 km race at the<br />
Tshwane University of Techonology Corporation event on the 27th of<br />
July. As a result of his outstanding performance, He has been selected<br />
to join the prestigious Athletics Gauteng North team.<br />
Phukubye said being selected as number two at the TUT Corporation<br />
Race and joining the Athletics Gauteng North team is an incredible<br />
opportunity . He is looking forward to contributing to the team, and<br />
he is committed to succeeding.“The race went well overall, I felt<br />
strong and focused throughout, but I did face some challenges, such<br />
as tough competitors,” he said.<br />
Phukubye is preparing for the highly anticipated South Africa's (SAs)<br />
Championships and the Cross-Country University Sport South Africa<br />
(USSA) event scheduled for spring.<br />
A spectator,Allen Ramafela, said that watching the race was inspiring,<br />
and seeing Phukubye finish as number two was a standout moment.<br />
“Joining the Athletics Gauteng North team is a big achievement, and<br />
I am excited to see how Morema will continue to excel and shine in<br />
future competitions, he said.”<br />
His mentor, Beauty Matsemela, said, “I am incredibly proud of<br />
how my athlete performed in this race,finishing second in such a<br />
competitive marathon is a testament to their hard work, dedication,<br />
and resilience.”<br />
The South African Air force choir performing at the inaugural Ga-<br />
Rankuwa choir concert<br />
Rodney Morema Phukubye<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>
good oral health habits<br />
By Andisiwe Magoba<br />
The Department of Health and Wellness, the Sefako Makgatho<br />
Health Sciences University, organised Healthy Smiles<br />
Campaign at Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria<br />
Campus on Friday, 20 September.<br />
The campaign aimed to raise awareness among students about oral<br />
health and wellness. The event saw a large turnout of enthusiastic<br />
students who were eager to learn. The campaign offered free<br />
dental screenings, allowing students to assess their dental health.<br />
Experienced professionals carefully examined the students,<br />
identifying potential issues and recommending further dental checkups<br />
as necessary.<br />
The primary objective of the campaign was to emphasize the<br />
importance of maintaining good dental care and its impact on<br />
overall health. Students engaged with healthcare professionals,<br />
seeking advice on effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and<br />
gums.<br />
Thabo Mofokeng, a Peer Educator, expressed his excitement<br />
about the Healthy Smiles campaign, highlighting the personalized<br />
guidance he received. He stated, "I'm thrilled with the Healthy<br />
Smiles campaign. As someone who struggles with dental issues, I<br />
was impressed by the guidance I received. The campaign's experts<br />
not only identified my problems but also provided personalized<br />
advice on how to maintain good oral health."<br />
Thabo Mofokeng, Peer Educator receives a dental examination<br />
during the Healthy Smiles Campaign<br />
Attendees showcase cultural attire<br />
GA-RANKUWA CAMPUS<br />
showcases<br />
a melting POT of cultures<br />
By Andisiwe Magoba<br />
The Ga-Rankuwa Campus was alive with the Cultural<br />
Extravaganza, attracting a large crowd of students on Thursday,<br />
19 September. The event provided a unique platform for<br />
students from diverse cultural groups to share traditions, customs, and<br />
heritage in a joyous celebration of diversity.<br />
Students took center stage, proudly sharing their cultural identities<br />
through fashion shows and musical performances. The Cultural<br />
Extravaganza offered a unique opportunity for students to connect<br />
with their peers on a deeper level. By exploring the rich cultural<br />
heritage of South Africa, attendees discovered common threads that<br />
unite people across cultures, fostering a stronger sense of community.<br />
Student, Zilungisele Ntshangase, said, "Cultural<br />
Extravaganza broadened my understanding<br />
of other cultures by exposing me to their<br />
traditions, customs, and histories. Discovering<br />
diverse dances, music, and attire enriched<br />
my understanding of community diversity.<br />
Interacting with individuals from other cultures<br />
demonstrated that we are more alike than<br />
different. This realization encouraged tolerance,<br />
understanding, and a deeper connection to our<br />
shared humanity.”<br />
Healthy smiles team<br />
Known for their dancing prowess, students representing the<br />
Amazulu culture also entertained the crowds<br />
<strong>BUA</strong><br />
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TELKOM RESIDENCE<br />
win Football League meant to<br />
raise awareness against GBV<br />
By Fundani Mgabisa<br />
Telkom Residence Accommodation, Residence Life, and Catering<br />
(ARLC) were crowned the champions of the 2024 Gender-Based<br />
Violence Internal Football League at Soshanguve Campus. Their<br />
coach, Mpilo Zulu, was awarded Coach of the Season, and Sithebe was<br />
recognized as the top striker for scoring eight goals. The Gender-Based<br />
Violence League took place over two months from July to September<br />
2024.<br />
The tournament, organized by TUT Soshanguve Sports and Recreation,<br />
aimed to engage accredited residents in sports activities available on<br />
the campuses, with participation limited to on-campus residences.<br />
Kgolokoane Rakgoale, the Soshanguve Sports and Recreation Stores<br />
Manager, said the league consisted of ten teams who played nine<br />
games each in a round-robin format. The league was designed to raise<br />
awareness about gender-based violence, promote equality, and respect<br />
among university students through football.<br />
Sandile Ntini, the Telkom Residence Committee<br />
Sports Officer, emphasized that the league<br />
helped students build friendships and avoid<br />
negative habits. Ntini also highlighted the<br />
challenges faced by the Telkom Residence<br />
team during the tournament, noting the strong<br />
competition and the need for rigorous training<br />
due to the demanding schedule of playing two<br />
games per week.<br />
The winning Residence secured seven victories, drew one match, and<br />
suffered one loss. Ntini expressed their happiness at winning the GBV<br />
league, attributing their success to their hard work and determination.<br />
He also acknowledged the crucial support they received<br />
from their fans.<br />
TEAM TUT EXCELS at<br />
University Sport South<br />
Africa Championship<br />
By Fundani Mgabisa<br />
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) athletes who competed<br />
at the University Sport South Africa Championship (USSA) in<br />
Gqeberha came back with significant wins on Wednesday, 18<br />
September. The athletes performed exceptionally well, returning with<br />
two silver medals and a bronze medal.<br />
The Cross-Country competition is hosted annually for universities<br />
to compete in sporting codes for the tertiary education sector,<br />
representing and protecting the sporting interests of all students at<br />
member institutions based on the principles of unity, accountability,<br />
non-racialism, non-sexism, and democracy. This year’s installment was<br />
hosted in Gqeberha, where nineteen universities competed, and TUT<br />
returned with significant wins.<br />
In the women's four-kilometre individual<br />
competition, Karabo Motsoeneng secured the<br />
second position, earning a silver medal, while<br />
Simonay Weitsz claimed the third position<br />
with a bronze medal in this competition.<br />
Additionally, in the women’s team competition,<br />
TUT secured a silver medal, placing team TUT<br />
overall in fifth position out of the nineteen<br />
universities.<br />
Telkom Residence football team celebrating their win<br />
Team TUT wins big at the University Sport South Africa Championships<br />
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<strong>BUA</strong>