EDU is where dreams come true

Celebrating excellence: From left Tim Low, acting co-ordinator of EDU, Assoc Prof June Pym, EDU director, Nontobeko Tshabangu, Investec EDU Student of the Year, and Setlogane Manchidi, the Head of Social Corporate Investment at Investec.

In a joyous celebration, the Education Development Unit (EDU) in the Faculty of Commerce hosted its annual Saville Foundation awards ceremony which was a testament to what the programme and its students have achieved.

On 30 August the Baxter Concert Hall was packed with an appreciative audience of students, EDU and commerce staff, donors and corporate partners. Professor Don Ross, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, as well as, alumni Renaldo Wagner and Ashley Andrews, hailed the programme for creating a supportive environment and providing students with a range of opportunities to develop to their full potential.

Andrews in his address at the ceremony revealed that some of his dreams had already been realised. "I've graduated from this world class institution and qualified as a chartered accountant. Another one of my dreams recently came true. I was offered a position at a well-known accounting firm in New York."

"All of my and my peers' achievements, success and who we are today could not have been possible without the love, the dedication and commitment of the EDU staff members. Thank you for showing all of us that we can achieve the things that we once only dreamt about," he added.

Nontobeko Tshabangu, who won the Investec Student of the Year award for her dedication and contributions to EDU and its students, is another moving example of someone who has overcome challenges and adversity to make the seemingly impossible, possible.

The Saville Foundation was established by Duncan Saville - a UCT commerce faculty alumnus - and has a long-standing partnership with the EDU. It sponsors the award ceremony, as well as, the monetary prizes awarded to the winners.