- JURIDICAL SOCIETY FIND THEIR IDENTITYA Quiz Night was recently held to launch The Juridical Society (Independent Student Committee, The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) and to offer students an opportunity to network and build their substantive understanding of the legal profession through guest attendees. The society is run by elected IIE Bachelor of Law student leaders and is an initiative for IIE Bachelor of Law students, by IIE Bachelor of Law Students. Through this initiative, the society strives to offer peer guidance and support to all IIE Bachelor of Law students, manage projects such as social and networking events, as well as community outreach, to assist in developing students into successful future legal practitioners.Rajesh Maharaj (RHM Attorneys), Huzaifa Kader (DJ Wright Attorneys), Fathima Moola (Legal Advisor, Educor), Aimaan Isaac (Candidate Attorney, Abdul Shakejee and Associates, and IIE Bachelor of Laws Alumna The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) and Matthew Storme (Candidate Attorney, Lester Hall Fletcher Attorneys, and IIE Bachelor of Laws Alumnus The IIE’s Varsity College Westville), provided insight into the legal industry. The success of the launch has students looking forward to the next initiative and has stirred an interest in other students to join the society next year. Said Kiara Govender (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Laws, The IIE’s Varsity College Westville and Juridical Society committee member), “The quiz night was very inspirational and engaging with all the legal professionals who gave us wonderful exposure to the future world of work. We believe that the society will assist other students in succeeding in their studies and develop into professional legal practitioners”.
- EMPOWERED GRADUATES UPSKILL THEMSELVESWith a degree in the bag and motivation to become more employable, graduates attended the recent annual Regional Graduate Employment Workshop (GEW) hosted on The IIE’s Varsity College Westville campus. The GEW is aimed to equip unemployed graduates with soft skills, insight on how to present themselves to the job market and encourage graduates to be tenacious in their search for work. A panel of experts discussed various topics including, Personal Branding.Buhle Khake (One Voice South Africa) explained that graduates should constantly evaluate themselves to encourage growth, change and to be able to adapt in an ever changing environment. Said Khake: “Your personal brand is a projection of your image. Therefore, it is important to know who you are but still be able to evaluate yourself so that you can adapt and grow”.Graduates gained access to a wealth of interactive career resources and tools on The IIE’s Varsity College Career Centre Alumni Online Platform, as well as advice from IIE Alumna The IIE’s Varsity College Westville, Eden Lütge (Junior Community and Social Media Manager, The Hardy Boys). Mock interviews were conducted so that graduates could engage directly with experts from industry such as, Express Employment Professionals, Pro Talent Recruitment and Tower Group Recruitment, and receive feedback on how to best present themselves during an interview. Adrian Pillay (IT Talent Acquisition Specialist, Pro Talent Recruitment) concluded by highlighting various points on resilience and the importance of this skill in the world of work. Said Pillay: “Positive thinkers with positive habits produce positive results”.
- BRIGHTENING LITTLE LIVES ONE MURAL AT A TIMEBabies and Grade R learners from Sizamakonke Crèche and Pre-School near Verulam (Umhlasini informal settlement) are excited about learning in their newly decorated classrooms. The Community Chest, in collaboration with The IIE’s Varsity College Westville, decided to make a difference to the babies and Grade R learners classrooms during the ‘Day of Caring’ initiative which is run through the Community Chest. Said Zama Mntungana (Principal Sizamakonke Crèche and Pre-School): “The educational drawings brought a bright uplift to the space. We appreciate everyone’s hard work in making a better learning environment for the kids”. One classroom and one nursery were decorated using paint donated by Dulux Specialist Paint Centre, Stamford Hill and Durban North. Said Fadeela Deedat (Public Relations Community Chest Durban): “Partnering with various companies to empower and enhance communities needing our care is very important to us. Our gratitude is extended to The IIE’s Varsity College Westville students who put down their books and pens to assist in uplifting one of our Early Childhood Development Centres”.
- 27 REASONS TO CELEBRATEWith a 92% average and 27 distinctions out of 27 modules, 2021 IIE Bachelor of Commerce 2021 Top graduate (The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) Brittany Lee Buchan-Swanson not only inspires but also thrives on sharing what she has learnt. Said Buchan-Swanson, “After I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in primary school, I shifted my focus to academics and it worked as I have done really well since. I set a goal and always envisioned that I would obtain my degree summa cum laude. My family was, and is, a solid support system and driving force to achieve my goal, was in my ability to stay focused”. “During my degree, Shaun Yeo, my Finance and Accounting lecturer, taught me to develop a particular way of studying by creating specific study notes. This helped me so much that I decided to share this with my fellow peers so that they could also succeed. As a result of this, I discovered my passion for sharing knowledge with and helping others, and now I have decided to pursue lecturing” concluded Buchan-Swanson.Buchan-Swanson currently works for a small Accounting firm in Kloof and provides private tuition for Accounting students. She is also furthering her studies and is currently registered for an IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Management.The IIE’s Varsity College Westville celebrated with 488 excited students with an overall average of 69.34%, as they were conferred from students to graduates in a jam packed auditorium in the presence of their proud parents, lecturers and peers.
- South African Graduate Employer’s Association Grad ExpoSambulo Ngidi (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Law The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) attending the recent virtual South African Graduate Employer’s Association (SAGEA) graduate expo. Experts from industry, which included Deloitte, Nedbank, Derivco, RCL and Sanlam, engaged with students and provided a scope on who they are and also provided insight into what they look for in graduates. In turn the students could explore graduate employment opportunities to kickstart their job search or to further their studies. The virtual graduate expo invited 2nd year IIE Bachelor of Laws, 2nd year IIE Bachelor of Accounting and all final year students to be a part of this invaluable opportunity. Said Ngidi, “Receiving insight on what companies require from graduates got me excited to begin my job search. Knowing where and how to start my career gave me the confidence to submit my CV”.
- IIE Varsity College participates in the annual sani2c(f.l.t.r) Warren Moolman (1st year IIE Bachelor of Commerce The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) and Matthew Scott (1st year IIE Bachelor of Arts The IIE’s Varsity College Pietermaritzburg) stoked after placing 3rd in the u23 “Young Guns” category after participating, for the first time, in recent annual sani2c. The IIE’s Varsity College had two teams compete.Said Carole Adam (Sports Manager The IIE’s Varsity College): “Our main objective for sani2c 2022 was to defend our u23 “Young Guns” title. Due to mechanical problems, the defending team lost their title and took a step down into 2nd place on the podium. We are super proud of our 2nd and 3rd u23 podium positions and congratulate the teams on their achievement. Our secondary objective was to cement the Brand’s cycling as a contender on the Stage Racing scene in South Africa and we are making great strides towards this”.
- Hoops, and they did it!Season 3 of the Step Nights Netball League (action netball mixed social league) started and ended off on a high note for The IIE’s Varsity College team. The IIE’s Varsity College dominated the court by winning the final (32 – 19) and proudly holds the record for the biggest goal difference for the season (324). Said Kristine Ford (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching The IIE’s Varsity College Westville), “The players conducted themselves in such a respectful manner on and off the court. The competition against the 9 other teams was tough. Season 3 is proof that the team’s hard work and determination paid off”.Despite the various challenges that the players faced such as loadshedding and flooding the team is very enthusiastic about defending their title in season 4.
- 40KG’S LIGHTER BUT R58 000 HEAVIERThe lifestyle TV show and fitness competition, Squad Goals, recently inspired 15 contestants (divided into five squads with 3 members each) to embark on a lifestyle change and completely transform their bodies. Michelle Langa (IIE Bachelor of Laws Alumna, The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) was one out of the 3 participants in her squad to win a share of the grand prize of R150 000 cash. Michelle received R50 000 of the grand prize, R5 000 for the challenges she won, R3 000 for groceries and a 12 month gym membership. The total amount that Michelle walked away with was R58 000.Langa entered the lifestyle TV show and fitness competition weighing a total of 230kg’s, the heaviest in the competition, and lost 40kg’s which was the most weight loss during the show. She has lost another 4kg’s since and she is happily weighing 184kg’s. “Changing my lifestyle was necessary as it began to negatively affect various aspects of my life. After the leaving the show, my mother has been my squad and the most positive influence. My fitness journey goes beyond losing the weight and focusses on also becoming stronger mentally” said Langa. In 2020 Langa graduated with an IIE Bachelor of Laws from The IIE’s Varsity College Westville. Langa is very excited to move onto greater heights and begin her next venture with Durbvision Media House, who will be filming a documentary titled “Going the distance with Michelle Langa”. “Having a special scale to accommodate my size and having a fear of fitting on an aeroplane got me down but walking into Jet and choosing an outfit for my birthday for the first time in years was extremely gratifying”, concluded Michelle.Each 3 member squad represented 3 different body types - an endomorph, a mesomorph and an ectomorph. The fitness competition had a team of fitness trainers who assisted the teams through weekly obstacle courses, while competing to help their squad win. The team's success was measured on progress based on their transformation journey.
- TOUCH DOWN FOR VARSITY COLLEGE RUGBY CLUBThe long awaited Intervarsity Rugby game between The IIE’s Varsity College Rugby Club and University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) Durban recently got off to a bang in front approximately 2000 spectators. The 2nd team kicked off proceedings and overcame a slow start to run out deserved 38 – 7 victors and set the stage for the Premier division showdown with UKZN Durban on the main field.The 1st team wasted no time by scoring the first try minutes into the game. The pace and intensity of The II’E’s Varsity College attack proved too much for UKZN, with the bonus point try scored just before half time. The 2nd half saw a renewed attack from The IIE’s Varsity College, with a further 3 tries added to the tally. It appeared that a whitewash was on the cards, but UKZN never gave up and scored their first try in the final movement of the game. With a final score of 45 – 5, the teams will now regroup and work on rectifying any mistakes before their next game. Malcolm Kennedy (Sports Coordinator The IIE’s Varsity College) said: “We had disappointing last 2 years with COVID-19 halting rugby, so it was great to see the players back on the field. We were satisfied with the outcome of our first game of the season but need to be more clinical in our finishing if we want to end in the top 3 this year”.
- USSA GolfJoshua Chandler (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Commerce, The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) taking his best shot at the recent USSA Golf National Championship, which was hosted at the Boschenmeer Golf Course in Paarl. The IIE’s Varsity College/MSA participated in the prestigious 3 day championship with 9 other teams, placing tied 5th in the Team A division and 9th in the Team B division. Said Chandler, “The USSA Golf Tournament was a highlight for me as this was my first time participating. We had a great bunch of players in The IIE’s Varsity College/MSA team who played some good golf on a great course”. After 54 challenging holes, Chandler placed tied 20th overall.
- Easter egg hunt - AH Zulu EducareChildren from AH Zulu Educare in Chesterville having an egg-citing time with the Easter bunny at The IIE’s Varsity College Westville. Full time students and staff donated 792 easter eggs which the VC Cares ambassadors (student volunteer group) used for an easter egg hunt for the children. Said Zanele Ntombela (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Westville): “The easter bunny and easter egg hunt brought the biggest smiles to the children of AH Zulu Educare. Instilling a sense of social responsibility in our students through community engagement projects is priority”.
- Preseason Rugby TournamentThe annual preseason rugby tournament kicked off with a bang. The IIE’s Varsity College 1st team after playing in the recent A section final of the Optimum Cup hosted at Crusaders Rugby Club. College Rovers beat The IIE’s Varsity College 22 – 19 but, despite the team’s loss, they are feeling warmed up and ready for the KZN Club Rugby Premier league taking place on the 22nd of April 2022. “The team has had a good build up to the beginning of the season. We are excited and positive to see the end results”, said Jody Taylor (Regional Sport Coordinator The IIE’s Varsity College).
- CANSA Shavathon“Be uniquely you. Be colourful” is exactly what these students and staff members did during the recent CANSA Shavathon when they shaved and sprayed in solidarity with those facing cancer diagnosis. The IIE’s Varsity College Westville’s VC Cares Committee (Student Volunteer Body), who brought the staff and students together to support this initiative, aim to instill a sense of social responsibility through community engagement projects. “VC Cares is passionate about this initiative as it is rewarding. Getting involved helps students grow as individuals and become socially aware by empowering themselves and those they can help”, said Zanele Ntombela (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Westville).
- St Martin's Mug Drive(f.l.t.r.) Karin Philip (Volunteer St. Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children), Sthembile Shozi (Receptionist St. Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children) and Zanele Ntombela (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) with some of the 82 toiletry hampers that were packed by first year The IIE’s Varsity College Westville students during their recent Orientation Week. Students gave back to the community by packing the toiletry hampers for the children at the St Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children. Said Ntombela: “This voluntary initiative aimed to instill, from the outset, a sense of citizenship and social responsibility in our new first year students through community engagement”.
- Making impressions and connectionsCompanies such as Purple Rocket Promotions and Events CC, Verimark and Bright Ideas Marketing and Events presented themselves and what they have to offer to students in terms of part-time opportunities during a recent face to face mini Careers Fair. The full time students actively engaged with the companies and were excited to be able to connect with them.“The IIE’s Varsity College Career Centre prepares students for the New World of work by building on soft skills such as networking, interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem solving”, said Celeste Grant (Career Centre Coordinator The IIE’s Varsity College Westville). This was the first mini fair of its kind held for full time students of The IIE’s Varsity College Westville by the campus Career Centre since the start of COVID-19.
- Saving lives one drop at a time(f.l.t.r.) Desrae Williams (Phlebotomist, South African National Blood Services) and Samkhelisiwe Nonyongo (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Laws The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) are proud to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need of blood transfusions. A total of 16 units of blood were donated which will save 48 lives. This initiative was an opportunity to remind staff and students that just one unit of blood can save up to 3 lives. The donated blood will go towards cancer patients, patients undergoing operations, child births, and gynecological cases. “Donors must be between the ages of 16 – 65, weigh over 50KG, have a light meal before donating, be fit and well and most importantly lead a sexually safe and healthy lifestyle”, said Neelashan Govender (Donor Relations Practitioner, South African National Blood Services). The VC Cares Committee members, who are passionate, caring and dedicated to making a difference in the world around them, lead fellow students in a range of initiatives including fundraising, awareness drives and outreach programmes.
- TOP STUDENT SECURES TOP INTERNSHIPRoss Blackbeard (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Accounting The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) received the Top Student Award for 2020. Blackbeard achieved a 95,64% average in 2020 during his first year of studies with 11 out of 11 distinctions.Said Blackbeard: “Being a first year student and receiving Top Student Award for my School has been rewarding as the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the face-to-face teaching and learning environment that I was used to high school. The online shift happened very quickly and dealing with the pace of the necessary changes was different, but I was able to adapt. It’s been exciting to progress from high school where one has a multitude of subjects and now I can focus on subjects that are specific to my career”. Blackbeard continued to perform at the top of his class in 2021 and has managed to secure an internship with Deloitte once he completes his degree. Said Blackbeard: “I am thankful to have secured an internship with Deloitte prior to completing my studies. The opportunity has and will inspire me to persevere”.The IIE’s Varsity College Westville ranks 1st place in the country within the IIE brand holding a proven track record of 80% modular pass rate and 23% distinction rate. Maintaining an approach that focuses on equipping students with skills such problem solving and critical thinking is at the forefront of The IIE’s Varsity College which ultimately produces work ready individuals for the New World.
- IT STUDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCEAs part of their final year IIE Bachelor of Computer Science in Application Development and IIE Bachelor if Computer Science in Network Engineering students The IIE’s Varsity College Westville recently concluded their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) presentations. WIL is a programme guided by lecturers which provides students the opportunity to step outside the lecture room and gain actual insight into their chosen field of study. Students were encouraged by Leavashni Pillay (Independent Lecturer The IIE’s Varsity College Westville) to conduct their practical work with NGO’s and if they choose not to they were allowed to invent an organisation.The students presented to a panel of judges and IT gurus from industry - Neerash Prithipal (Director 2CANA Solutions), Sam Louw (IT and eCommerce Specialist Mr Price Group), Kristopher Lawson (Web Application Developer Pilotfish) and Wayne Erradu (Technical Director Network Configurations). The student group, Paradigm, worked closely with iThembalethu Outreach Project which focuses on restoring hope for vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS as well as orphans. The organisation currently provides holistic and comprehensive care and support to over 360 people living with HIV/AIDS and 209 orphans and vulnerable children. Paradigm identified that the organisation lacked awareness and outreach resources and created a Website and Mobile App for volunteers to help close this gap. To further assist, Paradigm also created a Facebook page which will be updated with all communications regarding the organisation. Said Pillay, “I am immensely proud of all the students who used their knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to make a difference in society. All students concluded their presentations with excellent guidance and advice from industry and gratitude for the work they have done”.In addition to Paradigm creating the Website, Mobile App and Facebook page, the group donated 200 party packs to the children at iThembalethu Outreach Project. The IIE School of Information Technology continuously engages with IT industry, keeping up to date with rapidly changing technologies and adapting the curricula accordingly.
- TUMBLE TURNS TO SILVERIt was celebrations all round when The IIE’s Varsity College took silver at the recent 2021 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Swimming Championships held at the University of Pretoria (TUKS) Aquatic Centre. The final results: 1st place - TUKS with 54 swimmers and 1566 points, 2nd place – The IIE’s Varsity College with 11 swimmers and 1032 points, and 3rd place University of Stellenbosch (Maties) with 21 swimmers and 1021.50 points. “This is the best result achieved by The IIE’s Varsity College during this championship to date. It came down to the last two events – the 200m Freestyle Relay – where both our Men’s and Ladies’ teams had to beat Maties, which we did, with both The IIE’s Varsity College teams placing 2nd in these events,” said Debbie Windsor (USSA Swimming Team Manager and Sport Coordinator The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay). Notable team performances included from The IIE’s Varsity College Pretoria: Ross Hartigan (1st year IIE Diploma in IT Software Development) – 1st place 200m Butterfly; Jacques van Wyk (4th year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) – 1st place 50m Backstroke and Taneal Baptiste (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Commerce) – 1st place 100m Butterfly. “What an incredible first experience as the team’s coach at the USSA Championships. I absolutely loved the vibe at the gala as well as the tight knit team we had where everyone supported their teammates. We will be back even stronger and tougher next year and can’t wait to reach even greater heights in 2022,” said The IIE’s Varsity College USSA Coach David Glover from Nelson Mandela Bay. Congratulations to Ross Hartigan and Jacques van Wyk who were selected for the USSA Swim Team and to Taneal Baptiste for placing 2nd behind TUKS & Olympic swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker in the Ladies’ Victrix Ludorum. The Men’s Victor Ludorum was won by Ross Hartigan with Jacques van Wyk coming second. “We are thrilled with our best USSA Swimming result to date. Our team was small, but every member swam their heart out and contributed to our silver medal. We are looking forward to closing the gap between TUKS and VC next year,” concluded an ecstatic Debbie.The IIE’s Varsity College Sports Club offers a variety of different sporting codes for students. Students are encouraged to get active, meet new people as well as enjoy the opportunity to participate on either a social or a competitive level in events such as the various USSA tournaments, Fish River Canoe Marathon and Corporate Iron Man, to name a few.
- 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.”
- Heritage Day CelebrationsSome of The IIE’s Varsity College Westville staff and students at the campus’ recent Heritage Day celebrations where they came embraced their heritage through music by participating in an interactive drum session and some spontaneous dancing with Afri Drum Shack. “We all share different cultures which is what makes us proud of who we are. It is beautiful for us to come together and celebrate all our differences as one, through rhythm”, said Zanele Ntombela (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Westville).
- VC Westville Drive-in Movie NightLucky draw winner Pranesh Nukanna (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development The IIE’s Varsity College Westville), excited to receive his prize at the recent Drive-in Movie Night hosted on campus. The social event was planned and implemented by the Social Committee (student body committee) and was filled with bursts of laughter from full time The IIE’s Varsity College Westville students.“We encourage students to participate responsibly in all social and cultural events, as this gives them a range of opportunities through which they may interact socially and experience different contexts. These interactions help them develop interpersonal skills that are essential for life and the New World of Work and contribute toward their holistic development so that they ultimately become well-balanced young adults”, said Jessica Kell (Head Student Services The IIE’s Varsity College Westville).
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