The Department of Sport Studies at DUT recently held their annual awards ceremony where the best performing students were awarded for their hard work and dedication.

Held at the Rendezvous Restaurant, DUT Steve Biko Campus, on Wednesday March 20, 2013, the event was also held to bid farewell to the Department’s third-year students. The ceremony honoured first, second and third-year students who had performed well on their studies in 2012. Students who got first position each received R500, while those in second place received R300 with R200 being given to those in third place.

Acting Sport Studies Head of Department, Bongani Yengwa, said it was important to honour students who had excelled on their academic studies.

Satchidanandan Krishnasamy Reddy, bursary sponsor and Natal Primary School Board Trust Fund Chairman was the guest speaker at event. He awarded a bursary to second-year student Oscar Mthembu who, while performing well in his studies, is struggling financially. Reddy urged students to show leadership everywhere they went. “You don’t have to be a Dean to lead or be in a department. You can lead wherever you are,” he said.

Reddy’s sentiments were echoed by Gary Boshoff, Chairman of the Comrades Marathon. Boshoff said awardees will have to be open to new ideas, change and innovative ways. “As a sports future leader, work hard, act responsibly and behave ethically. As a leader, you will experience resistance but make sure you make a mark where you are. Don’t be mediocre,” he said.

– Nkosinathi Wanda

Pictured: DUT Sports Studies 2012 Awardees stand proud with their trophies which they received in honour of their hard work in 2012.