Mpho Mataha is a first year chemical engineering student who is ready to take on the year.

The 18-year-old from Limpopo says he is planning to work hard and make friends with other like minded people.

“Orientation has been a really great experience that I did not expect. Now that the semester has started my goal is to finish my course with the best marks. I am planning to work hard and make good friends that will motivate me to be the best I can become. I know the course I am taking is very challenging but I am willing to work this year to achieve that goal.”

Mpho said he found the orientation programme productive and helped him explore the Doornfontein Campus.

“The move from high school to university has been challenging because I come from the villages and here it is a different place but after a few days I have been able to adjust and people are nice, it is starting to become like home.”

He added that he was happy to be joining the Orange Army.

“UJ is one of the best universities to study chemical engineering, from the equipment to the lecturers. I am going to enjoy learning here.”

For BA Architecture student Jolene Koen, 20, getting the year started with a lot of focus is important.

She joined in on the orientation activities at the Auckland Park Bunting Road campus where students were encouraged to get to know one another by drawing each other’s features and describing their personalities.

“I heard a lot about UJ and my friend who studied here said the architecture programme is the best and the facilities and lectures are just lekker at UJ.”

She added that she is most looking forward to the many projects she will work on and the people she will meet.

The same applies for 19-year-old Fashion Design student Wisane Sithole. UJ came highly recommended from people she knows who attended the university.

“I also love the fact that the application process was effective and easy to go through.

Wisane was happy to receive the information from orientation to enhance her varsity years.

“If I have a problem I know where to find the information I need.”

She added that her goals are to become the best version of herself and the best in fashion design according to her capabilities.

“I will be using my environment to inspire me.”

Joshua Kinnear, 18, is no stranger to the UJ brand as he comes from the UJ Metropolitan Academy and has already learnt a lot about the university.

“Orientation has been phenomenal and meeting new people, cultures and personalities from around the country has been great.”

Anele Sithole, 17, and Nsuku Nxumalo, 18, who will be tackling their first year in BCom Transport and Logistics Management shared their excitement at being the newest members of the Orange Army.

“I picked UJ because I feel that they offer quality education that is of a high quality,” Sithole said.

Her friend Nxumalo said it is UJ’s 4IR focus that sealed the deal for her.

“I picked UJ because of the strong focus it has on 4IR. I feel that this will prepare me adequately for the future.”

The pair, who are originally from eNquthu in the KwaZulu-Natal province shared that they are mostly excited to be away from home for the first time and experiencing new things.

“UJ will give us the opportunity to experience new things and interact with other cultures,” Sithole said.

“I am also looking forward to growing as a young person as well as expanding my horizons,” Nxumalo added.

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