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GEORGE NEWS - Academics from various faculties and staff at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) George campus joined acting campus principal, David Alexander, in welcoming the new Madibaz and their parents as part of the university's annual welcoming event for new first-year students on 2 February.
How2Buddies, senior students at the university who undergo a formal training programme as peer helpers, played a hospitality role on the day and assisted in various ways to ensure that the 700-odd attendees felt at home.
"As is customary, representatives of the business and education sectors, as well as local government, shared this annual milestone with the university," said NMU spokesperson Alet van Tonder. "The address of the vice-chancellor, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, was relayed live to all campuses of the university, including George."
During the local part of the programme, Alexander focused on the desired graduate attributes of Madibaz, encouraging them to embrace the value system of this university so that they can play their role in "changing the world for the better".
"You have already chosen NMU and we are ready to guide you - make the best of every opportunity," he said.
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New-found friends Emihle Pousana (19), Sinazo Jama (18), Nathi Mtshubungu, Sinayo Lungile (18) and Zikhona Megan Baisi (21) relax under a tree after the breakaway sessions during the NMU first-year welcoming event on Saturday. All of them are studying nature conservation, except for Baisi, who will be taking on a diploma in agricultural management.
He pointed out that more than 15 000 applications had been received from prospective students. Out of this number about 1 000 first-year applications were accepted for George and the campus expects to register about 500 new first-year students by the end of the registration period.
Students and parents also had an opportunity to meet their specific faculty heads and lecturers during the breakaway sessions following the welcoming ceremony.
Classes for all NMU students start on Monday 11 February.
First-year IT students taking some time off between breakaway sessions. Front, from left: Azola Funda (23), Yandisa Ndubela (20) and Chairman Ndlovu (20). Back: Sundani Khuthandzo (22), Esihle Khumalo (26), Siphelele Dilima (18) and Zukhanye Peter (18).
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