UCT two are outstanding leaders

16 July 2002
TWO UCT students, Dominique Pitot and Tapiwa Ngara, have been named among the 100 Goldman Sachs Global Leaders from among scores of outstanding undergraduates from 17 countries.

The two were recognised at an awards ceremony held at Wits University recently. Global Leaders are chosen on the basis of their outstanding academic abilities and leadership achievements.

The New York-based Goldman Sachs Foundation and its partner organisation, the Institute of International Education, are the creators of the Global Leaders Programme, one that identifies and rewards the academic excellence and leadership potential of 100 of the "most accomplished" second-year students from all academic disciplines worldwide. The competition fosters leadership skills and prepares the 100 candidates for "distinctive service" to society and their future professions.

Pitot, an electrical engineering student, is active in the Habitat for Humanity organisation. He began volunteering for Habitat in 2000, building houses in Khayelitsha and Masiphumelele. He received training and began leading teams of volunteers to build houses in disadvantaged areas. After conducting awareness campaigns on Campus, Pitot formed the Habitat Club, which now has 18 leaders and a membership of 350 students (See Monday Paper Vol20#32). He is also sub-warden of his residence and has maintained high academic standards.

Ngara, a commerce student majoring in business science and finance, believes that "leadership is the ability to facilitate others to bring out the best in themselves and thus, in the team as a whole". He began winning wards for academic excellence while still at school.

At the end of 2000, he was elected to the house committee of his residence, responsible for academic affairs. He also chaired the Network Sub-committee that developed the residence's web page and a host of innovative features on the system. Ngara is most proud of winning the Anglo American Open Scholarship at the end of his matric year, the only one awarded in South Africa.


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