Wits honours student leaders at the 2025 Awards
- Wits University
The University recognises outstanding Witsies who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impactful service.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, celebrated student whose leadership exhibits the vision, mission, and values of a true Witsie. “As part of our strategic vision, the University continuously strives to empower well-rounded graduates who embrace innovation in advancing knowledge and making a positive impact in society”.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September, echoed these sentiments, reminding student leaders that impactful leadership grounded in integrity remains central to the Wits ethos. “Leadership, even when expressed through innovation, must always be marked by positive impact,” he said.
Honouring outstanding leadership
The prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to Siphosethu Ndyumbu, a final-year Bachelor of Laws student and Secretary General of the Wits SRC. Ndyumbu was recognised for identifying and addressing systemic gaps in the student experience and for building partnerships that advanced student representation, urban development, and sustainability. Notable initiatives include convening the Student Accommodation Imbizo, leading the EcoVision Summit 2025 and the establishment of the Johannesburg Student Advisory Forum.
Reflecting on his journey, Ndyumbu said: “Leadership at Wits is about creating a well-rounded Wits experience that defines #WitsForGood. Together, we can ensure that every student realises that coming to Wits is not only about getting the edge but about becoming a change-maker.”
Recognising excellence and innovation
The Social Innovator Award went to Asiphe Nhleko, creator of HydraGen – a water-powered generator that produces self-recycling electricity. Her innovation currently powers 25 community households and has been showcased at the Science Forum South Africa, the African Critical Minerals Summit and the National Science Week. Nhleko was celebrated for her dedication to mentoring young girls and encouraging them to take up space in STEM field.
CarreyAnn Boshoff, Chairperson of the Wits Sports Council and SRC member, received the Sports Student Leader of the Year Award for strengthening the sporting community and representing Wits at national competitions.
Leadership through service
The Champion of Service Award was presented to Tshwarelo Mafuyeka for his sustained commitment to addressing student food insecurity through the Sizanani Legacy Project. Together with his team, they have distributed over 900 meals, mobilised volunteers and promoted financial literacy and dignity among students.
The Most Outstanding House Committee in a University Residence Award was shared between the Sunnyside House Committee and the Men’s Halls Task Team. Sunnyside was lauded for initiatives such as the Care Cup, mental health campaigns, study marathons and sustainability projects. The Men’s Halls of Residence Task Team, comprising first-year students, was recognised for working towards transforming residence culture through a Zero Tolerance Policy addressing toxic traditions and gender-based misconduct.
Student Clubs, Societies, and Organisations (CSOs) driving change
The Faculty of Best Advisory (FBA) was recognised for the Most Outstanding Community Engagement Project for hosting a Career Guidance and High School Visits Project that reached over 350 matric learners and impacted over 40 000 lives.
On the other hand, the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) Wits Student Chapter received the Most Outstanding New Student Organisation Award for establishing a platform that engages students on global governance and sustainable development through its flagship Youth Voices at the Heart of G20’s Vision programme.
Furthermore, representing Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Wits Student Chapter, Sange Mhluzi, received the Most Outstanding Student Leader in Mentorship Award for leading a professional mentorship programme pairing 40 students with industry mentors and co-organising events that supported academic and career growth of fellow students.