Echoes of ululations from parents, students and the academic staff reverberated off the walls of the North West University (NWU) Mahikeng campus Great Hall in celebration of the achievement by seven students who obtained distinctions in their first 2012 academic year.

Among the students was Kesaobaka Perserverance Mothobi, who got a standing ovation for recording a 91% average and 12 distinctions from 12 modules in the extended BCom in economics.

Other students were Thabang Nthaudi, who scored 80% and 11 distinctions in the BCom in chartered accountancy and Rebecca Maumau who got 81% and 10 distinctions in the extended BSc in chemistry and physics.

Others were Ingutu Mutemwa with 89% and nine distinctions in the BSc in statistics and mathematics, Lebogang Jabosigo with 82% and eight distinctions in the bachelor of social work, Tebogo Sathekge with 75% and eight distinctions in the BEd foundation phase and Abigail Beenzu with 76% and five distinctions in her LLB.

“I hope your stay in this institution will not only benefit you academically but prepare you for professional growth and emotional intelligence. Acquaint yourself with available services within the university and always keep reminding yourself of why you are here,” NWU academic vice-rector Prof Mashudu Maselesele said.

She said the next step was to grow as a campus and focus on science, engineering and technology programmes as well as research on rural development specifically.

“Hard work and sacrificing time has paid dividends to me. Success is for everyone,” Mothobi said.

NWU vice-chancellor Theuns Eloff said: “We have good foundation to build on.”

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