The University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Education recently honoured its brightest stars at the 2024 Top Achievers Awards, held on Thursday, 31 July 2025 at the School of Tourism and Hospitality.
The event brought together the Executive Dean, Prof. Nadine Petersen, Vice-Deans, Heads of Department, faculty staff, and the proud families and friends of awardees. For many, the evening was more than just a certificate presentation; it was a moment to reflect on years of dedication, personal growth, and an unwavering passion for education.
This year’s honourees included:
Tlharihani Breana Baloyi: The Best Student in the B.Ed. Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R–3). Currently working in Limpopo, Baloyi could not attend the ceremony in-person, but her achievements shone brightly in her absence. She was a UJenius Club student during her undergraduate studies, a prestigious initiative at UJ that recognises outstanding academic performance by undergraduate students. To join/maintain membership in the UJenius Club, students must achieve an average of 75% or higher, with no module below 70%.
Aboobakr Subrati: The Best Student in the B.Ed. Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4–7). Also a UJenius student during his undergraduate studies, Subrati is known for his energy and generosity in helping at Faculty events. “I’m a passionate teacher who is always ready to assist wherever possible”. He is also an avid fish keeper: “I love the creatures of the water as much as I love the classroom.” He is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Childhood Education and working as a mentor and research assistant in the faculty.
Fadia Ismail: The Best Student in the B.Ed. Senior Phase and FET Teaching. “Through teaching, I can empty my passion into my learners,” she says. “I care for them by creating an environment of safety and enthusiasm.” She is currently working at a high school in Johannesburg, but she is already planning on furthering her studies in the near future.
Sinead Natalie Fletcher: The Best Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Student. She followed the PGCE Arts and Culture Programme, as she hails from UJ’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, where she was also a UJenius student during her undergraduate studies. Fletcher is currently working as a project manager at the Visual Identities in Art and Design Research Centre, and she draws on her Fine Art background to apply creative strategies to both teaching and research.
Elmarie Rautenbach: The Best Student in the Advanced Diploma in Remedial Education, now working as a remedial therapist at Lantern School for learners with learning disabilities and developmental disorders. During her studies, she had online classes and she appreciated the opportunity to meet some of her lecturers at the event, whom she had previously only met virtually.
Dr Sundika Ishwarkumar-Govender: The Best Student in the Postgraduate Diploma. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Anatomy and Physiology at UJ’s Faculty of Health Science. Dr Ishwarkumar-Govender is also a recognised researcher who has published 29 peer-reviewed articles and presented at 22 conferences. She completed this qualification at the top her class, all while raising her young daughter.
Salman Faruk Sheth: The Best Student across all of the B.Ed. Honours Programmes. He followed the programme in STEM Education. He was surprised yet proud to hear of this unexpected honour. Salman joined UJ as a first-year student in 2020 and completed most of his undergraduate studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he was also announced as the Best Performing ICT student in both his second (2021) and third year (2022). His continued excellence in his postgraduate studies is a testament and reflection of his commitment and passion for what he does.
With the master’s programmes, the top achiever in both the coursework and research programmes was honoured respectively.
Charles Raymond Wiggill: The Best Student in the MEd in ICT in Education (Coursework Programme). From a young age, he knew he was destined to be a teacher. In his professional career, he has held leadership roles and is known for building strong, empowered teams. As a parkrun ambassador, he supports multiple events on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, ensuring they run smoothly throughout the year. He is currently completing a PhD in Education at UJ, focusing on developing a framework for the ethical use of generative AI, one rooted in Ubuntu and grounded in Global South perspectives as a necessary counterbalance to dominant Global North frameworks.
Mohamed Mosala: The Best Student in the Master’s Research Programme for his dissertation on “Strategies for the successful transition of learners with Down Syndrome from home to school” that he completed in one year with the support of the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies, which was established by the UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi and his family. He was also the recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for the most meritorious master’s student in the Faculty of Education in 2024. He is currently a PhD candidate with UJ, and he attributes most of his success and achievement to the undying support from his wife, who doubles as his sounding board and proofreader, when she stayed up with him throughout the nights as he worked on his dissertation.
In her address, Professor Nadine Petersen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, praised the students for their resilience and commitment: “Our top students are the embodiment of excellence. The bar to be a recipient of an award was set exceptionally high. They are truly the best of the best in their respective undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the 2024 academic year. This recognition is much more than a measure of grades; it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and the belief that education changes lives. We look forward to seeing them continue to lead, inspire, and shape the future of education.”
The ceremony was rich with stories that ranged from balancing teaching jobs and postgraduate study, to late nights spent on research, to personal milestones like raising a child while pursuing academic dreams. All of the top students praised the support of their friends and families, confirming that academic success is not a solo journey.
