- The IIE VC Community Law ClinicTo fulfil the need for a Law Clinic which will offer free legal assistance to vulnerable members of the North Durban community, The IIE’s Varsity College Community Law Clinic was recently launched at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North campus. The Law Clinic opened its doors to the community on Tuesday, 3 May 2022 at 12pm and will be open four afternoons a week between Monday and Thursday from 12pm to 4pm as well as on the last Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm.“We are thrilled to have launched critical pilot project, and the opening of the Law Clinic serves as an important milestone in the growth of The IIE’s Varsity College’s School of Law. We are looking forward to the Law Clinic playing a significant role in servicing members of the local community”, said Fiona Kaplan Head School of Law of The IIE’s Varsity College.The IIE Varsity College Community Law Clinic’s mission is to give high-quality legal advice and services to people who cannot afford private legal representation. The Law Clinic also aims to provide outstanding clinical legal training for the IIE LLB law students, incorporating social justice awareness and ethics, as well as instilling in them a community service-oriented approach to law and care for others. The Law Clinic will also be a forum for the academic community to collaborate on research that will help the vulnerable.Guests who attended the launch included Judges Mahendra Chetty & Thumba Pillay, Advocate Andrea Gabriel SC who provided the keynote speech on ‘The importance of law clinics in the current South African climate’ and Professor David McQuoid-Mason who also spoke on this topic. Mr. Andre Britz, Provincial Legal Manager: Legal Aid KZN and the UKZN Acting Dean: Law Adrian Bellengere were also in attendance.
- FIRST YEAR STUDENTS KICK OFF WITH ORIENTATION WEEKBefore the start of the academic year, first year students were invited to attend the annual Orientation Week which is designed to help them navigate through the campus, meet their lecturers and classmates during the academic days and make new friends during social days before the start of lectures.During the two academic days, first year students attended onboarding during which they were introduced to their programme and what they could expect throughout the year, met their lecturers and met their classmates through speed friendship. During Programme Orientation they were addressed and officially welcomed by Rajesh Chandarman Campus Head The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North and they met their Programme Managers. First year students made new friends during the social days which took place at uShaka Marine World and On Point Waterfront for the annual Wet ‘n Wild Day and Pub Lunch and Quiz which also gave them the opportunity to meet first years from The IIE’s Varsity College Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses. OChella – the Student Services Campus Fun Day – themed Coachella this year, featured stalls by the Student Services team (VC Cares, Social, Sport, VC Voice & Career Centre.) Each stall had fun activities including puzzle games, rock paintings, face jewels, henna, soccer etc. As part of the entertainment there were live performances from 2 current students, DJ’s and a fire dancer. The Student Services portfolio heads, and committee chairs introduced themselves during interviews. Redbull sponsored sound and Red Bull drinks.“Students, I hope you have enjoyed your O’Week events and that you have connected with other students in your lectures, over the next few years you will make friends that will, more than likely be lifelong friends and work colleagues. The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North team are passionate about delivering a quality tertiary student experience, by supporting you in your journey where you, as a young adult aspire to become a meaningful contributor and influencer in the South African workplace and society. Best wishes on your journey to graduation,” said Rajesh Chandarman (Campus Head The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North).The first year students, who have joined the The IIE’s Varsity College community, with a student body of over 20 000 students, across its eight campuses (the ninth campus being The IIE’s Varsity College Online) with over 45 000 students, can look forward to portfolio weeks in the next month where they will be introduced, in detail, to The IIE’s Varsity College Student Services team made up of VC Voice, the Career Centre, VC Cares, Sport and Social.
- VC Cares CANSA Shavathon(front.l.t.r) VC Cares (student volunteer) Committee members Brenna Moeletsi (1st year IIE High Certificate in Communication Practices), Amahle Hedder (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Laws), Ntokozo Mthembu (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) and Nicole Padayachee (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Laws) with (back.l.t.r) Eshana Ratibar (Student Wellness Manager) and Weasema Aboo (3rd year The IIE Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase) The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North during their campus’ recent CANSA Shavathon. Students and staff shaved and sprayed their hair to help VC Cares raise a total of R1 045.00.
- STUDENTS HEAR FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTSMore than 130 final year students recently attended an annual Careers Evening themed “The Seat at the Table” where they heard from and networked with industry experts and connected with prospective employers at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North.“The transition from student to a young professional is challenging but fulfilling. Going from being student to a young professional one does not only have an obligation to yourself but also to the organisation you work for. Show up every day and make sure you are constantly resourceful for the company. My key tip to final year students - Be curious! The best thing you can do for yourself is to take initiative and take your career seriously,” said Andiswa Nkambule Customer Management Trainee at RCL Foods and The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North Alumna.Other guest speakers included Justine Pillay (Software Developer Trainee at 2CANA) who provided tips on what to do before applying for a job and how her work life has impacted her self-esteem and overall development. The final guest speaker Mthoko Shange (Founder of Imbizo Foundation) kept the students engaged with his talk on ‘A seat at the Table’ - how students can secure a seat and the necessary steps they need to take to attain the seat.Companies that attended the event to engage with final year students included the Mr Price Group, KPMG, PKF, Business Partners, Caxton Media, EXACT ERP, Department of Employment & Labour and BDO.
- World Heritage DayA colourful display celebrating World Heritage Day by the joint student committees (Student Volunteer Bodies) The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North during one of the campus’ recent Meridian Hour events. The fun filled hour engaged the wider student body with a colourful display of all cultures from around the world, through exciting dance performances, a cultural fashion show and a fun quiz game on the different types of heritages.
- DETERMINATION LEADS TO SUCCESSTo advance her academic career and because she is motivated by her passion for the discipline and the desire to see it grow in South Africa, Tracey Haselau (The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North Programme Manager: School of Humanities and Social Science) pursued and recently graduated with a PhD in Psychology. Tracey’s biggest inspirations are senior academics who contribute to their professions while guiding their students and her aspiration is to be the best possible role model for her daughter.“The biggest challenge I’ve faced was during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown - I was heavily pregnant, working towards completing my PhD while also trying to navigate online lecturing. I had to learn how to manage my time effectively and break up my day into doable segments to get through it all. I realised that making progress towards goals is all about the daily choices we make,” said Tracey. She continued: “Some of my proudest moments were graduating with my PhD, having my daughter Ava there with me and I also celebrate every time one of my own students crosses the stage in their graduation gown.”Tracey published a paper based on one of her PhD research findings, which will, in turn, be published in the journal 'Teaching of Psychology' in a special edition. Her key mentor is Professor Lisa Saville Young who supervised her PhD research and mentored her as a young academic. “I have learnt so much from her and continue to look up to her even after graduating,” said Tracey.This year Tracey plans to submit a chapter for a book for African Higher Education Institutions called ‘Theorising Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation’, and she will continue to produce articles and contribute to the subject of psychology and higher education.Tracey’s advice to anyone wanting to further their studies: “Take it one step at a time and set small daily goals. It all adds up. Be persistent and systematic in approaching large sections of work. Ask for help – you don’t need to struggle alone.”
- Information Evening(f.l.t.r): Social Committee (Student Volunteer Body) members Dhiya Kussial (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts), Emily West (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication) and Tayla Walker (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) at the recent Qualification Information Evening held at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North with the aim of providing prospective students with the opportunity to find out more about their qualifications of interest. Programme Managers, Lecturers, Student Advisors and Student Committee Members were on hand to answer any questions and share information.
- 2022 Drak ChallengeBryce Lawson (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education student at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) placed in 37th place at the recent two-day N3TC Drak Challenge canoe marathon in Underberg. “Drak was a good test to see how training is going for the 2022 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon (17 - 19 Feb), the biggest canoeing event on the African continent, and it looks like it’s going to be a good one. I am happy with how my preparation is going”. Seven The IIE’s Varsity College team paddlers had an exhilarating race on a full Umzimkulu River.
- 2022 Midmar MileThe group of The IIE’s Varsity College students who participated in the recent Midmar Mile. Six students placed in the top 12 of the elite swimmers. Michael McGlynn (1st year IIE Bachelor of Commerce The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) who was defending his 2020 title placed 2nd, Joshua Ashley (1st year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) placed 9th, Robyn Kinghorn (1st year IIE Bachelor of Education The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) placed 8th and in 12th place was Tori Oliver (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Laws The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North).Says Carole Adam (Sports Manager The IIE’s Varsity College): “It was a very different dynamic for our team this year with no team events to compete in. Instead the results were purely based on the swimmers’ individual performances. I’m really proud that six of our students were chosen to compete in the elite event with one female and three male students finishing in the top 10. This shows a lot of depth and growth within our swimming team and I’m excited about the year ahead.”
- Movie NightThe Social Committee at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North recently hosted a movie night on campus for students as a way to wrap the social events calendar for the year up. Students were treated to complimentary popcorn and slush puppies throughout the night and enjoyed a movie they voted for. They had the option of choosing between the outdoor sit-down area or the drive-in area - both with COVID-19 protocols in place.
- 2021 Virtual Alumni ConnectTshegofatso Kekana (The IIE’s Varsity College Alumna, PR Specialist and Founder of Alfa Destiny Communications) was one of the guest speakers at the first Virtual Alumni Connect Evening recently hosted by The IIE’s Varsity College Career Centre, themed ‘Exploring the Future of Work’. The event was hosted for The IIE’s Varsity College Alumni to network and connect. Tshegofatso, with other guest speakers Shalin Ledwaba (Talent Acquisition Specialist in Attraction and Employer Brand at Old Mutual) and Scotty Wang (Founder of Future Billionairing and Co-Founder of the Street Food Market and #ThinkAfrica) shared their knowledge and experiences which recharged and motivated the alumni who participated in the session.Said Cody Brent (The IIE’s Varsity College Alumnus: “This evening was powerful, and I hope there’s more coming, Shalin from Old Mutual really inspired me so much!”.
- 2021 Virtual Client TreatLeah Sefor (Life Coach, Author, Podcaster and Speaker) South Africa’s go-to life and relationships expert was a guest speaker at this year’s Client Treat recently hosted online due to COVID-19 by The IIE’s Varsity College Career Centre to show appreciation for their clients: Business Partners PMB, Derivco, RCL Foods, 2 Cana, Moody and Smith, ITC Info Tech, Pam Cherry, Mr Price Group, ProTalent, Belgotex, Investec and Pilotfish. Leah held a session on ‘vision boarding in a time of crisis’ to help the attendees prepare for a better year ahead.Clients who attended said, “I resonated with her approach, and it was lovely to get this session at the end of such a long year. She also has great energy”. “Very inspirational and motivating. I loved Leah's style - she is professional, calming and very articulate. Such a pleasure to listen to”. “It was lovely. Very informative, insightful, and just so personal”.
- Ladies to Legends 2021Ladies to Legends, a women empowerment event aimed at students and staff, was recently hosted by The IIE’s Varsity College Westville and Durban North campuses. This popular event creates a platform where women make their voices heard through meaningful conversations about the issues that affect them the most in business and entrepreneurship. The theme for this year was 'Let's Get Down to Business', and it focused on empowering, inspiring and educating women who have their own businesses as well as those who would like to start their own. Passions, concerns and issues were expressed collectively with the hope of creating a community of women who would build each other up through sharing their own personal experiences in the South African business context.Students and staff engaged with a panel of experienced women in business: Mrs Annbition (Owner of Annaesthetic Beauty Studio and Director at We do Marketing SA), Leigh de Wet (Lecturer The IIE’s Varsity College, registered Counselling Psychologist and owner of a private practice) and full-time current student Bhairnaazeer Pillay (IIE Bachelor of Laws The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North and restaurant owner of Restaurant 2020 and The Top Chef). Guest MC, Minnie Ntuli (Radio DJ #ECR, MC, model and media personality) captivated the audience and speakers as topics such as finance, gender equality, business and support were raised. Said Pillay: “One must realise that one is not going to get rich overnight. Passion can drive you towards your goal but choosing to remain dedicated is what will help you get to the top as passion changes, but the reason remains. You have to make a conscious decision to work towards your goal through the good times and the bad times”. The event was concluded with an inspirational mantra by Ntuli, "I am somewhere in the future and I look much better than I look right now".The IIE’s Varsity College focus is the holistic development of the student where a balance between studies and participating in a variety of sporting, social, cultural and community engagement initiatives is encouraged and facilitated.
- VC Cares Heroes Stickers Fundraiser(f.l.t.r): VC Cares Committee Members Yugeshnie Nair (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) and Ntokozo Mthembu (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) who ran a ‘Become a Hero’ sticker fundraiser with the rest of their VC Cares (Student Volunteer Body) team and Eshana Ratibar (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North). They raised R2 597 for St. Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children. An initiative well supported by both students and staff.
- Full Time Open Day 2Student committees at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North (VC Voice, the VC Sports Club, VC Cares, Career Centre Ambassadors, and the Social Committee) were excited and geared to meet with prospective students during the recent bi-annual Open Day on campus. Prospective students had the opportunity to meet with a student advisor for guidance on an IIE qualification best suited for them. They also met with programme managers and lecturers, specific to their qualification of interest, who were able to provide additional information and answer questions. The student committees kept the learners entertained and they walked away with awesome prizes after participating in fun activities such as FIFA video game sessions and a balloon popping competition. This was a great way for the committees to inform the learners about their different roles which help create memorable student experiences outside of the lecture room.
- PERSEVERANCE AND DETERMINATION!!The 2021 Top Graduate Achievers of The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North were honoured and congratulated during the campus’ recent annual graduation celebration. The highest mark was 94.2% achieved by Cyndi Kritzinger (IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development). The graduate with the highest distinction average per qualification (they need to have a distinction average of 75% or above to be eligible) was recognised as Top Achiever. 691 students graduated from The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North during 2020.Said Chanderman: “Congratulations to our 13 Top Achievers of the graduating class of 2020. Their perseverance, determination and hard work has culminated in their prestigious awards and gives them 80 - 90% of what it takes to make a success of their lives. A huge thank you to our lecturers and academic team who have supported and guided our students along their academic journey. In the troubling words of Jim Rohn: We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Congratulations for having the wisdom to choose to suffer the pain of discipline...the pain of regret is far worse!!”.
- Principle’s Commendation Tea53 of the 97 top students (based on module distinctions and/or distinction average) during the recent annual Principal’s Commendation Tea hosted by Rajesh Chandarman (Campus Head The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) and Cathy Durholz (Head of Academics The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North). The top 2 students from each IIE qualification at The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North received a certificate and letter of acknowledgement as recognition for their achievement. They also received branded Bluetooth earphones as a gift and were treated to a light breakfast.
- SILVER SCOOP AT USSAThe IIE’s Varsity College Men’s Hockey Team finished second and took the silver medal at the recent USSA Hockey Championships held at WITS. The team won 3 to 1 against the University of Johannesburg in the first round and won 2 to 1 against Stellenbosch University in the second round. The final round saw The IIE’s Varsity College lose 0 to 5 against the University of Pretoria.Said Taine Bird (The IIE’s Varsity College Men’s Hockey Team Captain): “USSA was a completely different experience to 2019 as COVID-19 set restrictions for us which we had to follow but I feel that this brought the players and coaching staff so much closer. We developed a bond and brotherhood which I can assure you no other team has and I feel this was key to our success this year. We started off slowly in terms of our performance, but we all pulled together as a team and played to the ability which we all knew we could play at during the tournament. This led us to our first USSA Finals. I could not be prouder of the amount of effort and commitment the boys and coaching staff showed during the tournament and this is why I am the proudest VC player out there”. “USSA preparation was a lot easier this year than in previous years. We finished the league 1 week before USSA which always helps with momentum leading into a week of tournament hockey. Having won the league, the boys were still in very high spirits and were itching for the tournament. It was however disappointing to lose a few players prior to USSA, but those boys who stepped in really showed their worth. We unfortunately stumbled at the last hurdle losing to a very strong TUKS team in the final. I am extremely proud of the boys and their efforts,” said Wade Paton (The IIE’s Varsity College Men’s Hockey Team Coach).Wade continued: “Undoubtedly the highlights of the season were taking both the Indoor and Outdoor Hockey League titles. Something that The IIE’s Varsity College hasn't done in a few years and not many clubs have done in KZN Hockey history. The number one goal for the hockey team in 2022 is to repeat the success of the previous season, but also to continue the brotherhood that the guys have built and transmit that culture on to the new students joining the club.”
- Planting a Garden at ClayhavenTo create awareness around Environmental Month (f.l.t.r): Lizo Javele (Facilities Handyman The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North), Moffat John (Volunteer), Koovashnie Govender (Volunteer), Barend Clarke (Facilities Coordinator The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North), Yugeshnie Nair, VC Cares (student volunteer body) Chairperson (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching), Eshana Ratibar (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North) and Shayana Pillay (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) planted vegetables and seeds at Clayhaven Primary School in Phoenix which is The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North’s 2021 CSI beneficiary. The new garden will benefit the learners, teachers and the schools’ community.
- Heritage Day Celebration on CampusSome of The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North staff - (f.l.t.r) Nomawethu Zondo (Junior Student Advisor), Mendy Mthethwa (Law Lecturer), Taryn Ross (Customer Relations Officer), Stef Gouveia (Receptionist) and Barend Clarke (Facilities Co-ordinator) during the recent Heritage Day celebrations on campus held during the popular weekly Meridian Hour. The student committees and staff members collaborated in celebrating the different cultures that South Africa has to offer. The hour kicked off with an Open Mic where students performed, followed by a cultural fashion show where both students and staff showcased their cultural outfits. Students were also able to visit different stands which represented the different cultures and provided interesting facts and history about each culture. The event ended off with a samoosa eating competition sponsored by DigsConnect, an organisation which helps students find accommodation near campus.
- Vaccinations on Campus(f.l.t.r): The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North students Emily West (2nd year IIE BA in Corporate Communications), Ntokozo Mthembu (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) and Tayla Walker (1st year IIE Bachelor of Arts) recently received their 2nd COVID-19 vaccine on campus. Students and staff had the opportunity to receive their 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine whether they received their 1st dose on campus or elsewhere. Students and staff who had not yet received a vaccine were also able to receive their 1st dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This was in partnership with Healthucation (Pty) Ltd
- SMARTEST LEARNER IN SAJuané Oosthuizen (grade 10 Nico Malan High School Eastern Cape) is this year’s ‘Smartest Learner’ and the winner of The IIE’s Varsity College National High Schools’ Quiz 2021. Kenneth Janson (grade 11 Paarl Boys' High School Western Cape) came in 2nd place and Mayibongwe Ncube (grade 11 Balmoral College Gauteng) came in 3rd place. The National High Schools’ Quiz Finals were recently held at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton. Juané walked away with a R10 000 cash prize, R10 000 for her school and her teacher Dr. Natasha Kruger received R5 000. Kenneth walked away with a R6 000 cash prize, R6 000 for his school and his teacher Miss McFarlane received R3 000. Mayibongwe walked away with R3 000, R6 000 for his school and his teacher Nkululeko Ndlovu received R1 500.Said Juané said: “I have participated in various general knowledge quizzes at my school and online this year which, I believe, partly prepared me, because you can never be fully prepared for these types of competitions. I enjoyed reading from a young age and have built up a good general knowledge from books as well as reading the news online daily for the last year. I was excited from the first day I found out about the quiz (thanks to my science teacher, Dr Natasha Kruger) as I enjoy my general knowledge being put to the test, I completed the first two rounds at The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus and was pleasantly surprised with the warm welcome I received there. Throughout the competition all the participants were generously rewarded, much different than other general knowledge competitions where only the winners get a prize. The travel to and stay at the final event was a special experience for my mom and I. I enjoyed the day of the final, especially the relaxed atmosphere created by the presenter/MC’s humour. I would definitely participate again! I have truly been spoilt with prizes throughout the competition, so I believe it’s wise to save my prize money for future use, such as university tuition. I do not see myself as the Smartest Learner in South Africa, by any means! I am humbled by the recognition, but I believe there is always more to learn”.“After months of planning and intense coaching of learners across the country, the 8 finalists were welcomed onto The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton Campus to attend the National Finals. These finalists were thrown into the tumultuous world of COVID-19 over the past 18 months with classes being online and then face-to-face and then back to online. At their young age, being able to adapt so quickly and have the discipline to study consistently and independently at times is commendable. These learners, along with their guardians have so much to be proud of. Pride which can be heightened even more by the extraordinary skill and knowledge we witnessed during the finals. The Schools’ Quiz has proved to me that the youth of our country is resilient and able to tackle any challenge that comes their way,” said Kimberly McIntyre (Campus Head at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton).“I just want to thank all of you at The IIE’s Varsity College again for the lovely opportunity and the great experience of being part of the National High Schools’ Quiz. From the first round at The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay to the finals at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, both Juané and I enjoyed every moment. Juané prepared by reading a lot of newspapers as well as news online, she will save the money for time being. Thank you again for everything you do to make learning fun!” said Ilze Oosthuizen, Juane’s mother.
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