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Front page
Staged in the Sanlam Auditorium on the campus in Potchefstroom on 30 and 31 August and on 1 and 2 September, the much-loved musical Fame was a thrilling, unforgettable feast for the senses.
The creative team responsible for Fame, namely members of Artéma, Alabama Productions and NWU Potch Arts, took the audience on a glorious journey filled with great performances by talented performers who included students and lecturers.
Alumna Nacia Kruger directed and choreographed this exciting production, while Pieter de Bruin, the artistic director of the Artéma recording studio, was in charge of the music. A nine-piece orchestra provided the accompaniment.
On the front page photograph, Stephen Bogatsu (as Tyrone Jackson) dances with Lyrinda Venter (in the role of ballet dancer Iris Kelly).
CONTENTS
PROFILE
Leaving her footprints on the campus
Nikiwe joined the NWU’s Ikateleng Project during her final year in the Gaenthone Secondary School in North West. She enrolled at the Vanderbijlpark Campus in 2007 for a BEd degree, majoring in mathematics, physical sciences and further education and training.
“I am so thankful for the opportunities given to us by the university,” says Nikiwe. She adds that financial aid, access to computer labs and a secure study environment contributed a lot towards the academic and student experience.
“The campus has grown so much since I left! The new buildings and courses make me want to be a part of the mix again, and therefore I will be enrolling for my honours degree soon.”
“My philosophy as a teacher is that a school is not merely a place of scholastic learning, but also an opportunity to shape responsible citizens and dynamic future leaders.”
Teacher Nikiwe inspires the next generation
Another teacher who had a great impact on her learners, is Bill Gate’s primary school teacher, Blanche Caffiere. In a recent interview the co-founder of Microsoft and American business magnate, praised her for the “profound” impact she had on his live.
Like Blanche and other dedicated members of their profession, Nikiwe is also motivating and inspiring the next generation.
The 29 year-old Nikiwe is a proud alumna of the campus in Vanderbijlpark and, according to the Department of Basic Education, the best secondary school teacher in South Africa.During the 2017 National Teaching Awards, Nikiwe’s passion for teaching was rewarded with the top honours in the category: Excellence in Secondary Schooling.
“I can’t imagine myself not being a teacher,” she says.
According to Nikiwe – who teaches mathematical literacy – her love for teaching and high regard for the profession were kindled by her high school teachers.
“I contribute my personal and professional growth to my teachers, and especially one of them who encouraged me to keep pushing forward even though the road was not easy,” remembers Nikiwe who instinctively knew that teaching would also be her calling.
She started her career in 2010 at Suncrest High School while still completing her final year of study. In 2015 she joined the school’s management team and was appointed as the head of department for mathematics and mathematical literacy. She is also the grade tutor for grade 10 and responsible for all matters relating to discipline, parents’ queries and mentoring.
During her career at Suncrest High School Nikiwe has received several awards and recommendations for her work.These achievements include achieving a 100% pass rate during the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations, a first position during the Sedibeng Education District Awards and an excellence award from the Gauteng MEX of Education.
In additon, Nikiwe received a Gold Achievement award from the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
Nikiwe not only motivates learners in her classroom, but also learners from underperforming schools in the community. Through the school’s Secondary School Intervention Programmes she teaches mathematical literacy to learners on weekends and during school holidays.
Looking at NIkiwe’s career, it is very likely that her learners would one day remember her as that special teacher who inspired them just as her own teacher inspired her, and Bill Gates’s teacher did for him. And who knows: perhaps Nikiwe’s classroom will produce the next Bill Gates.
The NWU & U
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