The English and Communication programme hosted its annual Sharon and Clive Wilson Award (formerly known as the Sharon Wilson Award) ceremony on Friday, 7 November 2025.
The prestigious award, which honours the legacy of the late Sharon Wilson, recognises top-performing English and Communication students for their achievements.
It was established over three decades ago by Sharon Wilson’s husband, Mr Clive Wilson, in memory of his wife, who was a devoted teacher in the programme and passed away in 1988. At the time, Mr Clive Wilson invested an amount of R2000 towards the award, and today that amount has increased significantly.
This year, four students—Noluthando Bhengu (top student), Lwandisiwe Manda (second place), Siphesihle Nkomo (second place) and Mehluko Dlamini (second place)—were announced as winners and received cash prizes ranging from R3000 to R11000.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from the programme director, Dr Mthembu, followed by reflections on the importance of communication, the value of language proficiency in tertiary studies, and the role of the award in fostering academic excellence. The English and communication staff then introduced themselves.
Mr Clive Wilson, who was in attendance, gave a short speech recounting why he created the award.
“This ceremony not only rewards outstanding academic performance in the Communication module, but also honours the spirit of teaching, dedication, and learning that Sharon Wilson embodied,” said Wilson.
The English and Communication programme coordinator and Acting Head of Department of the Department of Media, Language, and Communication, Professor Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi, gave the closing speech in which she expressed appreciation to Mr and Mrs Clive Wilson and congratulated all the winners.
“To our students, your achievements are a source of pride and inspiration to us all. To our award recipient: your hard work, perseverance, and commitment have earned you this recognition,” she concluded.
Pictured: Professor Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and Mr Clive Wilson during the prize giving ceremony.
Photo by Mphiliseni Manqele.
Isiphile Mathenjwa
