Don't let challenges floor you - Nhlapo

The best: Leo Marquard warden, Daniel Munene with Andrew Bevis, DVC Prof Thandabantu Nhlapo, Thibedi Matjila, Michael Fitt, 2009 head student, and his successor, Siyabonga Nyezi, at the residence's annual fellowship dinner.

Leo Marquard Residence hosted an annual fellowship dinner to recognise students who have excelled academically and in extra-curricular activities such as sport and voluntary work at the residence.

The event on 16 October was also to bid farewell to senior students, and marked a handover of leadership from the old house committee to a new one.

Andrew Bevis received the Etienne Swart Award, which is presented to a first-year student who has shown commitment to the residence, and Thibedi Matjila was handed the Old Marquardians Association Trophy for being an exemplary senior student.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo told students that residences present an opportunity to create a 'sense of togetherness' that could be valuable in life.

Relating it to his own student career, Nhlapo urged students not use excuses that keep them from progressing. At high school he suffered from asthma and used that as an excuse for not participating in sport as he was scared he would fail, he said..