Top-performing students in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) were recently celebrated for their achievements at the annual Dean’s Merit List event. Each recipient exemplifies the spirit of creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence that FADA strives to cultivate in all its programmes.
Held on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) School of Tourism and Hospitality, the event was attended by the Executive Dean, Professor Federico Freschi, alongside the Vice-Deans, the Head of Faculty Administration, and the award recipients.
Awarded for her achievement in Industrial Design, 21-year-old Morgan Potgieter has always been fascinated by the multifaceted discipline.
“Having the ability to solve problems is what made me choose my field. UJ is the only university that offers a pure form of industrial design, focusing on both concept development and physical product creation. It’s also got an international link that allows us to operate on a global scale and be exposed to a broader scope of people.”
Last year, Morgan was part of the team that won first place in a competition and got to showcase their work in India.
Now a postgrad student, Morgan recently graduated with a BA in Industrial Design.
“Being the top student in the department is a huge honour. It is so lovely to receive recognition for the hard work you put in – the sweat and tears that went into this. It is a privilege to be honoured and I appreciate it.”
Balancing her academic work and her social life has allowed her to get to know herself truly. She prioritises her needs, identifies her goals, and meticulously balances them all.
For Klaas Prinsloo, a third-year Diploma in Architecture student, making it onto the Dean’s Merit List was a miracle he believes came straight from God.
“This is something I never thought would ever happen to me in my life. I haven’t always been the most academic student from my early school years. This was a gift from God that he managed to place me in the position that I am right now.”
The 25-year-old added that his journey at UJ had been an interesting one filled with motivation and pressure to keep up with his dreams.
Third-year Jewellery Design student Ayla van Dyk applied for the Diploma because she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after high school. As a hobby, Alya would make beaded jewellery pieces at home, and her father encouraged her to apply to UJ.
Fast forward a few years, and Ayla is now the top student in her department.
“Being honoured is still so surreal to me. I wasn’t sure what it meant initially, then when my HOD explained it to me, I did not believe it because I didn’t know I was the best in the department. It was a ‘pinch me’ moment.”
For Ayla, the achievement is a full-circle moment.
“I did everything in school but art. After being accepted at UJ, I found my place. While it has been challenging, I have learned so much about myself. I used to struggle in school, and I would often feel down. Now being in a practical field where the approach to learning is different, I am realising I am not a theory person but a practice person, and because of that, I have gained more confidence in myself,” said the 21-year-old.
The following students were also honoured at the event:
- Ashton Welthagen – BA in Fashion Design
- Khaalid Caleb Harris – BA in Design (Communication Design)
- Kiara Loubser – BA in Interior Design
- Sandile Majozi – Diploma in Fashion Production
- Yasmeen Nyumova – BA in Digital Media
- Yehoshoa Yissochor Hoppenstein – BA in Visual Art
The Dean’s Merit List is a significant recognition, celebrating students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and commitment to their disciplines. Each awardee represented the highest standard of excellence within their respective programmes.
The Faculty extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the students recognised this year and looks forward to their continued growth and contribution to the creative industries.
