Shining excellence paved as Wits six graduate!
- Tshepiso Mametela
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER for a group of Wits University student-athletes who have aced their respective study programmes en route to being in line to don the prestigious garb of academic excellence.
Waiting in line to receive their plaudits are Wits Football’s quartet of Clinton Mphahlele, Bradley Mongwe, Keamogetswe Mokalake and Thabelo Mammburu. Joining them for their share of the same limelight is Wits Hockey ace Nomnikelo Veto and Wits Volleyball’s Olly Nukeri.
Wits Sport asked each of the six what the best thing is about graduating and how they plan to use their qualifications to mould a better society? This is what they had to say.
Clinton Mphahlele, Bachelor of Laws
Graduation is a subtle reminder that dreams come true, which gently nudges you to dream bigger. The law is inextricably intertwined with economics, politics and social life. Therefore, my aim is to use the law to effect social change for the betterment of society.
Clinton Mphahlele in action in the Varsity Football Semi-final against UJ (2018) Photo Credit: Varsity Sports
Olly Nukeri, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Quantity Surveying
My graduation was the best achievement ever, especially the first one. Coming from a marginalized background, it was never easy for me to survive but what kept me focused was the fact that I wanted to make my mother proud.
Today I hold two qualifications (BSc Construction Studies and BSc with Honours Quantity Surveying) from one of the biggest Universities on the continent … Even though I am unemployed now I still have the pride of going to my previous high school to motivate my fellow brothers and sisters on the importance of education.
Keamogetswe Mokalake, Bachelor of Economic Science and International Relations
The best thing about graduating is probably seeing the results of my labour, it’s not easy at all balancing academics and the football schedule we’ve had over the years. In the immediate, probably just that satisfaction and in the broader sense, having a qualification you enjoy and would like to pursue further.
Economics is very broad and touches base with a lot of facets of society. So, for me, with a financial market focus, just helping build a financial sector that is inclusive of the most marginalized in South Africa will be a win.
Bradley Mongwe, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Quantity Surveying
The best thing about graduating is the knowledge you've seen something through all the way, especially with the difficulties of being an athlete at the same time. To fight the stereotype and show that it is possible to be a footballer that does well in school.
I'm in the construction sector and it's no secret that we are lacking in infrastructure development in our country. I would like to use my qualification by forming part of a team that brings solutions to these issues; deliver better services and infrastructure to our people because there are parts of this country that really lack in this department.
Thabelo Mammburu, Master of Science in Chemical Engin