Juané 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.

The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus’ VC Cares committee (student volunteer body) recently handed appreciation gifts over to the rescue workers of the South End Fire and Emergency Services Station.The campus’ Student Wellness Manager Jaci Howell and the VC Cares committee celebrated the Public Servants Appreciation Day. “The VC Cares committee wanted to show their appreciation to these local rescue workers by delivering a small token of appreciation to them,” said Jaci."We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to your staff and the Campus for the gifts received by staff at the South End Fire Station. It is through projects and people such as yourselves that we as Firefighters still feel appreciated and worthy of the functions that we perform in serving our community," said Godfrey Gelderbloem (Divisional Officer South End Fire and Emergency Services). Mr Gelderbloem shared the mission of the Fire Station: "It is the mission of the Fire & Emergency Service to create a safer environment by providing an effective and efficient firefighting and rescue services within the ambit of available resources".

(B.f.l.t.r): Delray Woods (Head of Department - Papenkuil Primary School), Deneal Williams (Teaching Experience Co-ordinator The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) and Bianca Els (4th year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching), (front): Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) at the recent handover of gifts for the Foundation Phase pupils of Papenkuil Primary School in celebration of Universal Children’s Day. The day is celebrated annually on 20 November. Said Jaci: “Universal Children’s Day is a day to not only celebrate our youth, but it is also a day to remember the importance of our future, which means investing in our children. VC Cares (student volunteer body) and the campus’ School of Education love celebrating this day as developing the children of our Nation is what we are passionate about.”

Some of the staff members of Sydenham Primary School with some of The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay students at the recent handover of sweet treats for the staff and teachers of Sydenham Primary School in celebration of World Kindness Day celebrated annually on 13 November. Said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “World Kindness Day is a day to promote the importance of being kind to each other. In this spirit we wanted to show the staff and teachers of the Sydenham Primary school a little kindness and appreciation to brighten their day.”

Staff members of The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus with some of the gifts for Little Eagles Educare, John Masiza Primary School and Elukholweni Primary School. The campus held a Holiday Gift Drive during November and December for 27 children from the Little Eagles Educare, John Masiza Primary School and Elukholweni Primary School. Said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “The aim of the Holiday Gift Drive was to brighten up the little ones’ holidays and to put smiles on their faces”.

(f.l.t.r): Samantha Raven (Social Worker – Bet Sheekoom), Clarissa-Lee Nel (2nd year IIE Diploma in Commerce in Business Management), Zoe Barnard (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law) and Avuye Ntlube (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) at the handover of Bags of Hopes for Bet Sheekom House of Restoration. The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay’s VC Cares committee (student volunteer body) and Student Wellness Manager Jaci Howell held a Bags of Hope drive on campus. Staff and students were encouraged to donate items towards the Bags of Hope and lend a helping hand to those in need.Said Jaci: “We wanted to make a difference in the lives of others by donating a “Bag of Hope” to the women of the Bet Sheekom House of Restoration. These bags contain everyday items to bring relief, encouragement and happiness in the lives of these ladies.” Items in the bag of hope included: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, face cloth, deodorant, hand cream, sanitiser, lip ice and a pack of sanitary towel.

Bryce du Preez (1st year IIE Bachelor of Commerce The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) surfed his way to 1st place in the U21 men’s division of the recent Sea Harvest Cape Crown. The event took place at Long Beach, Kommetjie in Cape Town until the final day when it was moved to Muizenberg. “It was an incredibly well run event and all the competitors were super grateful for the move on the final day. I have really been appreciative of any chance I have had to compete in this year due to all the COVID-19 regulations, so taking the win was the cherry on the top,” said Bryce.

(front f.l.t.r): Yasif Sheik (IIE Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching), Sherwin Scharnick (1st year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) and Cole Oliver (1st year IIE Bachelor of Commerce) (back f.l.t.r) Dwayne Deysel (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching), Regino van Rooyen (1st year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) and Siyandiswa Nonkelela (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication): The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay geared up for the recent Hollard Daredevil Run 2021. Some of The IIE’s Varsity College students took the challenge to create Cancer awareness by participating and running the 5kms. “It was different and out of my comfort zone, but highly enjoyable. The cause behind it was the driving force and I can’t wait to do it for Cancer next year again!” said Siyandiswa.

Some staff and students from The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay recently handed over stationary items to MTR Smit Children’s Haven. The stationary drive initiative, held during September and October, was a collaboration between the campus’ School of Law, School of Education, and the VC Cares committee (student volunteer committee).Taylia Perrin (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law) made the campus aware of MTR Smit Children’s Haven’s need for stationary items. Core to the educational philosophy of The IIE’s Varsity College 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. “It is always so wonderful to see our students participating in and giving back to the various community engagement initiatives which does help make a difference in our community,” said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay).During September, to celebrate Heritage Day, The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay treated the staff and children of MTR Smit to boerewors rolls as well. “Sometimes you don’t realise how fortunate you are until you give back to those who need it - these are words that I never take for granted. Being provided the opportunity to put a smile on someone else’s face is always on my to do list and that is why giving back means so much to me. It is the smallest things that make the biggest difference sometimes and I like to be part of that difference,” said Taylia.

(f.l.t.r): Samantha Sefier (Receptionist Malabar Home for the Aged), Siya Nonkelela (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications), Carlin Davids (1st year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching), Sinesipho Zweni (2nd year IIE Bachelor Commerce) at the handover of small gifts for the senior citizens of Malabar Home for the Aged on International Day for Older Persons celebrated annually on 1 October.The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus’ VC Cares committee (student volunteer body) and the Sports Committee collaborated to treat the Senior Citizens of Malabar Home for the Aged, Almaza Retirement Home and Alamein Retirement Home.

It was celebrations all round when The IIE’s Varsity College took silver at the recent 2021 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Swimming Championships held 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.Representing The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus Constantina Pietersen placed 10th overall in the Women’s Individual rankings.“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.

(f.l.t.r): Ronaldo Boggenpoel (Acting Principal - Gelvandale Primary School), Kelly Cain (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching - School of Education Student Teacher), Adele Hillier (Grade 7 teacher and Student Teacher Mentor) and Kayleigh Cain (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching - School of Education Student Teacher) at the recent handover of sweet treats for the educators and administrators of Gelvandale Primary School in celebration of World Teachers Day. World Teachers Day is celebrated annually on 5 October. Said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “We wanted to celebrate our Teachers in our community and thank them for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to educating the youth of Gqeberha.”Fourteen of the campus’ School of Education students are currently doing their school placements (teaching experience) at the school. “We are fortunate to have community based partnerships to support our pre service teachers’ school based, work integrated learning. The school based, work integrated learning component is a prerequisite for any initial teacher education programme. This experience allows students to implement theory in the classroom under the guidance of qualified, experienced teachers as mentors. This enables student teachers to better understand and facilitate their own transition from student to classroom teacher,” said Richelle Meistre (Lecturer – Education The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay).

Anushka Skei (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) demonstrating her solidarity and creating awareness by wearing a semicolon on World Suicide Prevention Day held on campus. The Day held on 10 September promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “The aim of the awareness campaign which VC Cares (our student volunteer body) helped coordinate, included semi-colon transfers for students and staff who wanted to support the day. The semicolon is a symbol of the choice to continue living, because a semicolon is used when an author could have ended their sentence, but chose not to”.

The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay School of Education Student Teachers with De Vos Malan Primary School staff members at the recent handover of 24 pot plants – one for each of the school’s classrooms. “September is Environmental Awareness month on The IIE’s Varsity College Student Wellness Calendar and to celebrate Spring the VC Cares committee (student volunteer body) and The School of Education collaborated to not only brighten up the classrooms but to also teach the learners how to take care of their environment by looking after a classroom pot plant,” said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay).Eight of the campus’ School of Education students are currently doing their school placements (teaching experience) at the school. “We are fortunate to have community based partnerships to support our pre service teachers’ school based, work integrated learning. The school based, work integrated learning component is a prerequisite for any initial teacher education programme. This experience allows students to implement theory in the classroom under the guidance of qualified, experienced teachers as mentors. This enables student teachers to better understand and facilitate their own transition from student to classroom teacher,” said Richelle Meistre (Lecturer – Education The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay).

Classrisa-Lee Nel (2nd year IIE Diploma in Commerce in Business Management), Andile Dlawu (Principal - Kama Primary School) and Luxolo Myandlu (2nd year IIE Bachelor of Arts) at the handover of personal protective equipment (PPE) - face masks. The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay recently held a PPE drive during which 700 masks were collected for Kama Primary School. “We wanted to reach out to the youth and teach them the importance of staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to give each learner at Kama Primary School a mask with a message of hope and on how to stay safe during these challenging times,” said Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay).

430 Class of 2020 students recently graduated from The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay during a Virtual Graduation Ceremony hosted via the Brand’s website.Master of Ceremonies Okay Wasabi welcomed more than 21 000 graduates from 23 IIE and MSA campuses in 10 cities from the Class on 2019 and 2020 to the graduation. Their families and friends were also able to join the celebration.The programme for the evening consisted of The Director’s address by Dr Felicity Coughlan (Director of the IIE and Group Academic Director of ADvTECH), followed by a welcome from the respective Campus Heads, the Conferral of Qualification and thereafter the vote of thanks.As part of the graduation ceremony, the top graduates with the highest overall average in each of The IIE qualifications were awarded the Top Achiever Award in recognition of all academic achievements. Recipients of this amazing award were mentioned in the virtual ceremony. The Nelson Mandela Bay campus Top Achievers are: Veronica Baatjies (IIE Higher Certificate in Bookkeeping); Sidy Khan (IIE Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice); Ischke Krouwkam (IIE Higher Certificate in Event Management; Tiaan Swart (IIE Diploma in Commerce in Business Management); Nicholas Harris (IIE Diploma in Sport Development and Management), Nasreen Dolley (IIE Bachelor of Commerce); Melissa Grimsell (IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education); Chante Hugo (IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching); Adely Phillips (IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching); Kay-lee Marx (IIE Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching); Amrie Rheeder (IIE Diploma in Public Relations); Shayla Knipe (IIE Bachelor of Arts); Jessica Smit (IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology); Darren Johnson (IIE Higher Certificate in Information Technology in Support Services); Jordan Ungerer (IIE Diploma in Information Technology in Software Development); Buhle Majwede (IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies) and Jandré Lessing (IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law).Said Paul Manson (Campus Head The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “Your hard work, dedication and commitment to your studies has brought you not only academic success but has expanded your thinking and given you the drive to work hard to achieve your goals. The pandemic taught us to be agile, robust, to manage different kinds of stress and sadly, for some of us to deal with loss and most certainly for all of us to be compassionate. You being here today is testament to your perseverance and we applaud you. As you begin the next chapter of your life remember the lessons that you learnt and always strive for perfection,”.Top Achiever Nasreen Dolley is currently involved in the Association of Investments and Savings South Africa (ASISA) IFA Internship programme 2021, whereby she is completing a 12-month internship at NFB Private Wealth Management in Gqeberha. “I am working on a fulltime basis at the firm while also completing course requirements through the ASISA Academy.” “Thank you to each and every lecturer, staff member and employee at Varsity College for their contribution to my incredible learning experience. I will forever cherish the learning experience Varsity College has offered me and look forward to reinvesting my education into surrounding communities.” Shared Nasreen.Campus Head Paul Manson left graduates with an inspiring message, “I urge you all to succeed in whatever you choose to do, but not at all costs. To come first, does not always necessarily mean to win. Strive to achieve your goals with honour and integrity, because these are the values that will carry you far. And remember, in a country like South Africa, there are so many more needy people than yourselves. Give generously, and look after the less fortunate. You have earned this qualification, and with it comes great responsibility. I don’t say the word responsibility lightly, as I truly believe the next business and society leaders will be coming from the ranks of our graduates. The educated elite, that you now join, have a responsibility to the rest of the country.”“On behalf of The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay team we wish you the best of luck as you continue your journey. Congratulations to all our graduates,” concluded Manson.

Liske Kock (Administrative staff member at The Love Story Foundation) with the recent donation of non-perishable food items by The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay. The campus’ School of Management and School of Humanities and Social Sciences collaborated and held a non-perishable food drive on campus for The Love Story Foundation and Buffelsfontein Retirement Village. The VC Voice Committee acts as a conduit of communication in a reciprocal manner, to the wider student body and the IIE’s Varsity College Senior Management.Says Earlene Jacobs (Head Student Services The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay): “We encourage the School Representatives within the VC Voice Main Forum to engage the wider student body in many spheres including community engagement as this embodies how one can make a positive impact in the lives of others and it shows good citizenship. The initiatives also provide a platform for students to not only grow their skill set within their leadership roles but at the same time create a sense of unity among the wider student body.“

Petra Matroos celebrating the momentous occasion of graduation with her father Anthony Matroos. Despite the COVID-19 challenges and having to adapt to a blended learning approach of online and face-to-face learning, Petra recently graduated with an IIE Bachelor of Commerce from The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus. Grateful and honoured to have reached this milestone, Petra is currently interning at Adient while furthering her studies part-time (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) with her father, who she challenges to study towards a PGCE as well. “My dad, who has extensive experience in the private sector, completed his studies about 20 years ago. I am excited and grateful that I get to do the next part of my Education journey with my dad. I would like to thank God for being with me every step of the way and for giving me wisdom and guidance. I would like to thank everyone for the love and support during the duration of my studies I truly appreciate it,” said Petra. The IIE's Varsity College Virtual Graduation Ceremony held on Thursday, 5 August 2021 celebrated over 10 000 IIE Class of 2019 and 2020 graduates.

South Africa’s Ladies Water Polo Coach Delaine Mentoor with The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay committee Heads at the recent committee teambuilding held on campus. Delaine, who recently returned from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, spent the morning inspiring students and sharing her journey with them. “Listening to Delaine was a breath of fresh air, because it showed life’s unpredictability but it working out regardless,” said Siyandiswa Nonkelela (3rd year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications).The South African Ladies’ Water Polo team broke many records during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic, with the team being the first ever ladies Water Polo team South Africa has sent to an Olympics. In addition, Delaine was the first ever female Water Polo coach for any team since Water Polo was recognized as a sport at the Olympics in 1900. Delaine, who hails from King William’s Town, has been a South African Water Polo player for many years having taken part, amongst others, Junior and Senior World Championships.

Fun and games (f.l.t.r): Pat Hippert (Chapter Leader Shine Literacy Programme Walmer Angel Projects) with Jaci Howell (Student Wellness Manager The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) at the recent Games Drive handover. Jaci and the VC Cares committee (student volunteer body) encouraged students and staff of The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay to celebrate Youth Day by donating a game to the Games Centre for the children of the Walmer Angel Projects. The Walmer Angel Projects believe that every child counts and it strives to provide relief and upliftment to the community and for those less fortunate or in difficult situations.