The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Health Sciences residences stood out at the prestigious TuksRes Academic Excellence Awards, where the exceptional academic achievements of students living in university residences were celebrated. The faculty’s residences, Ukuthula, Curelitzia and Tuks Buphelong, dominated the awards with outstanding accomplishments, further showcasing the academic prowess of students within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Ukuthula was once again named the top academic performing male residence at UP for the 20th consecutive year. This longstanding tradition of academic excellence speaks to the commitment of both the students and the residence leadership in fostering a supportive, high-achievement culture. The residence’s ability to maintain such consistent success is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its students and leadership.

Pictured: Skye Hall (B Nursing, 2nd place academic performance), James Dent (1st place), Ewan Basson (3rd place) with Head of Residence: House Ukuthula, Prof. Ronel Herselman.

Prof. Ronel Herselman, is the Head of Residence at Ukuthula. In just one year of her leadership, she has played a key role in sustaining the residence’s tradition of excellence. "The success of Ukuthula is due to the resilience and dedication of our students," said Prof. Herselman. "Their achievements inspire us all, and it is an honour to see them continue to excel."

This year’s TuksRes Awards also saw Skye Hall, a first-year B Nursing student, make history by securing second place in academic performance within Ukuthula. Skye is the first student outside of the MBChB programme to achieve such a high ranking in the residence's long history of academic achievements. His exceptional performance is a source of pride for the Department of Nursing Science and the School of Healthcare Sciences, as he continues to pave the way for future Nursing students to follow in his footsteps.

The School of Medicine also took the spotlight, with James Dent securing first place in academic performance, and Ewan Basson achieving third place. These students, representing the MBChB programme, showcased the high academic standards upheld by the Faculty of Health Sciences and its students.

In addition to Ukuthula's triumph, the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Curelitzia residence shone brightly, winning several prestigious awards, including:

• TuksRes Residence of the Year 2024
• Best Academic Performance Female Residence 2024
• Best Academic Performance Prinshof and Onderstepoort Residences 2024
• Well-being Residence of the Year 2024
• Culture Residence of the Year 2024

The success of Curelitzia reflects the collective efforts of its residents, who have worked tirelessly to achieve excellence across academics, well-being, and culture. The residence’s accomplishments are a point of pride for the Prinshof campus and the broader Faculty of Health Sciences. "It is your hard work that has earned us these honours, and we appreciate all that you do," said Veronica Israel, Head: Student Access and Success, acknowledging the dedication of the students.

Further enhancing the Faculty’s achievements, Tuks Bophelong residence saw Kabule Mokgadi, Nhlavutelo Hlungweni, and Phumza Nkosi recognized as top academic achievers, marking a proud moment for the residence and the Faculty.

The TuksRes Academic Excellence Awards are a celebration of the academic achievements of students across all UP residences. However, this year, the Faculty of Health Sciences took center stage, with both Ukuthula and Curelitzia earning top honours. Their achievements are a reflection of  the faculty’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and holistic development.

The Faculty of Health Sciences celebrates its students, who continue to lead the way in academic performance and embody the university’s values of resilience, dedication, and excellence.