By Shonani Mufamadi
The University of Limpopo gathered at Meropa Casino in Polokwane for the Student Affairs Excellence Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to honouring outstanding performance, dedication, and service across the university community. Themed “Embracing Employee through Awards,” a fitting tribute to honour the commitment to promoting well-being alongside excellence in student affairs leadership and support.
The ceremony brought together senior leaders, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, the Dean of Students, faculty deans, school directors, department heads, staff, student leaders, and external partners all united in celebration of those who make the university a thriving, student-centred environment
Dr. Mochaki Masipa, Dean of Students, sets the purpose of the evening. Photo by: Victor Rabapane
Dean of Students, Dr Mochaki Masipa, set the tone for the evening, describing it as a moment to recognise the people who make a difference daily. “We are here to honour the dedicated support system that keeps our students thriving and our campus welcoming, paying tribute to those committed to student success and well-being from day one,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Kwazi Majola, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management in the School of Economics and Management, paid tribute to the unseen heroes who create spaces of growth and belonging.
“We gather to applaud those who make student success their mission shaping lives academically, socially, personally, and morally. You are the creators of home and the heartbeat of this institution.”
In his congratulatory remarks, Prof. Mokgalong echoed the theme of gratitude and service, “We celebrate those assisting students beyond academia. Student well-being matters, and we recognise everyone who has gone the extra mile. To those who willcontinue to serve, do it with pride and diligence.”
The Department of Sport and Recreation celebrates their five-award victory. Photo by: Victor Rabapane
The night unfolded with five main award categories: Student, Staff, Dean’s, Departmental, and Support Service Provider awards; each highlighting different facets of contribution to the university’s mission
The Department of Sport and Recreation emerged as the star of the evening, taking home five accolades, including Most Performing Department and Best Community Engagement Award.
Acting Director Sonica Fritz expressed pride in her team’s achievement, “This means a lot to us. We are truly happy and proud to mark this milestone together as a department.”
Among the evening’s standout honourees was Kgone Lemekoana, Manager of Student Housing and Administration, who received both the Best Director and Long Service in Student Affairs awards.
“This recognition shows that every act of service, even those behind the scenes, matters for the success of our students,” she said.
Through this celebration, the University of Limpopo reaffirmed its enduring pursuit of institutional excellence, spotlighting the people whose daily work builds a culture of care, leadership, and achievement.
