Cape Town, 22 October 2024 – The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Cape Town (UCT) held its annual Humanities Student Excellence Awards on Friday evening, recognising the exceptional academic achievements of students who have earned a spot on the prestigious Dean’s Merit List.

The event, hosted in the Upper Campus Residence Dining Hall, brought together students, academic staff, and faculty leadership for a night of celebration and inspiration. The evening began with a warm welcome from Senior Humanities student, Troy Chironga, who set the tone for the night, highlighting the incredible academic milestones that have been reached.

The keynote speakers included A/Professor Shannon Morreira, Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Studies, who spoke about the exciting opportunities that await students in postgraduate studies within the Humanities. Benathi Phalezweni from the Humanities Faculty Mentorship Programme followed with insights on the power of mentorship and its role in academic success. Simphiwe Dlulani, from UCT’s Careers Services, then discussed the wide range of career options available to humanities graduates, urging students to explore diverse paths as they prepare for life beyond their undergraduate studies.

In her closing address, Professor Shose Kessi, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, praised the honourees for their hard work and resilience. “Your dedication to your studies has set you apart, and being on the Dean’s Merit List is an accomplishment to be proud of,” she said. “As you continue your journey, embrace every opportunity for growth and remember that this is just the beginning of what you can achieve.”

Following the formal program, guests were treated to light refreshments and entertainment, with opportunities for group photos with the Dean and academic staff.

The evening concluded with an atmosphere of celebration and pride as the students were acknowledged not only for their academic excellence but for their dedication to shaping their futures and contributing to the vibrant intellectual community at UCT.

With this recognition, they are poised to continue their academic journey with even greater success.

Click [here] to view more of the photos from the event.