UKZN’s School of Law hosted a High Achievers Recognition Ceremony, honouring third-year LLB students who achieved a weighted average of 70% or above in the first semester of 2025.
The event marked the first of its kind within the School, setting a new tradition of celebrating academic excellence and motivating students to pursue further success in their studies and careers.
Opening the ceremony, Dean and Head of the School of Law Professor Freddy Mnyongani applauded the cohort for their diligence and consistency.
“Today is about you – our students – and the hard work and dedication you have shown,” said Mnyongani. “As the first group to be honoured at this event, you have set a benchmark and will forever be a point of reference for excellence within our School. Your achievements speak to your discipline, resilience and intellectual ability,” he said.
For many students, the recognition was both rewarding and inspiring. Said recipient Mr Thapelo Nyawose: “I am truly honoured to have been recognised as a top achiever among the third year cohort. This initiative by the School of Law serves as motivation and encouragement to students like me to work hard and strive for excellence. It shows that the School cares deeply about our growth and development.”
The event not only recognised academic excellence but also served as encouragement for students to consider postgraduate study at UKZN.
In her address, UKZN’s Associate Professor Willene Holness outlined the postgraduate opportunities available within the School of Law.
“We offer a diverse range of postgraduate programmes in areas such as Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law, Medical Law, Business Law and Criminal Justice,” said Holness. “These specialisations enable our graduates to position themselves competitively in the legal industry, secure valuable positions and make meaningful contributions to society,” she explained.
Alongside acknowledging the high-achieving third-year students, the School also congratulated two students who recently won the prestigious Kader Asmal Moot Court Competition at the University of the Western Cape, second year student Mr Leal Jensen and third-year student Mr Sandiso Mdletshe.
Closing the event, organisers Mr Matthew Kimble and Ms Salina Govindsamy thanked staff, students and supporters who contributed to the success of the ceremony.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Supplied