Hard work pays off for top SPL student
April 15, 2011 
23 Comments
Dumisani Sondlo decided on the first day that he started studying towards his honours degree at the School of Public Leadership (SPL) at Stellenbosch University that he wanted to be the top student when he graduated.
“I was inspired when I heard Lee-Anne Toorn, the previous year’s top student, speak about the hard work she put in. I decided to, for the first time in my academic life, really challenge myself.”
His hard work paid off. He graduated Cum Laude with 78% and in the process won the PWC Best Student Trophy. Sondlo is one of a group of 108 students who enrolled for an Honours degree in 2010. 65 of them graduated within one year. According to Professor Johan Burger, head of the Postgraduate Programme of the SPL this is a remarkable achievement because most of the students are mid-career people who work full-time and therefore extend their studies over a few years. The students also had to cope with a demanding research component.
Dumisani Sondlo
“I have never before received a first place and I have never won anything before the PWC trophy,” says Sondlo.
He adds jokingly: “I also received a cash prize, but I have no idea what my wife, Nolufefe, did with it,” Maybe my success also had something to do with the birth of our baby. After the birth I thought I had fallen behind in my studies and put in extra effort.”
He is full of praise for his fellow students. “Our Honours discussion group consisted of wonderful people. We all encouraged each other and it was great to meet people from diverse sectors. There was continually a stimulating exchange of ideas between lecturers and students.”
Sondlo is the eldest of five children and says his grandfather instilled a believe in all his grandchildren that they are destined for success. “Because of my grandfather and my great faith as a Christian, I grew up believing that I could do anything. Although my parents are both teachers, herding sheep and cattle in the rural areas of eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape was part of my childhood experiences. This taught me lessons about nature that I would not have had if I had grown up in a city.”
Sondlo, who works for the Institute for Satellite & Software Applications (ISSA), a directorate of the national Department of Communications, will continue his studies – he has already started studying towards his Masters at the SPL.
Sondlo says he plans to “serve the government of South Africa at the highest level” and he wants to establish a mentorship institute where up-coming leaders from all sectors of society can be mentored.
- article written by Stephanie Nieuwoudt
Congratulations Mhlekazi on your great achievement. The sky is the limit.
Betha mhlekazi. The future is yours.
Congratulations Mhlekazi, a great inspirations indeed…
Well done Dumisani.
I have seen strong character and integrity in you over the years. Keep it up…I know God will help you to build up a legacy.
Remember to always stay humble… You will achieve your dreams and beyond!
Just remember me when you are famous
Love!
The “van Niekerk” family
Hi man of God you have really put a big smile on our faces by God’s grace.You know the area
need this types of achievements to demonstrate God’s ability to fulfill His word you really are a great role model,an inspiration and a success. From my wife and I and baby Janine as well as the whole District “E” Of the Bay Christian Family Church we say;HALAALA!!!
Whoow Mkhaya i am very proud of u , u really inspired me ,Keep it up with a very good work.
Well Done Sir. So proud of you. I am going back to school now so motivated….
Halala!!! Bhejula. Ndikwazi unjalo ke mna
You are an inspiration to many. Sizolandela ekhondweni lakho ke….
Bhuti, Congraculations big brother!!You’ve made us proud.
Congra my dear friend. Well I was not surprised but only proud of your achievement. Keep it up and all the best for the Masters.
“Elam’ igama lokwaziwa naphesheya kwelwandle” Congratulations Diya. Indeed an inspiratio to our family and beyond. All glory be to God
Congratulations Dumisani!! What a wonderful achievement !! I always knew you could do it !! All Glory to our Father for His Grace that is on your life …. There is no limit to what our Father can do in and through you! Blessings Ingo and Tracey
Hi Dumisani
Olga and I are so proud of you. You are advert to all of what God can do if we are faithful.
Love you
Danny & Olga
Wow, i’m really inspired to have a high achieving mentor like you, Mr Sondlo u really do set the path way for us the upcoming leaders to follow.
You mentioned that youll take the best prize for 2010 HonsBPA at the reception hosted for the 2010 end of our very first contact session, true to your word you made it. I thought you made that in jest, this goes to show the level of commitment you put in. Congratulations ‘mdlekazi”…
Congratulations, our dear brother and son in the faith. You have excelled and displayed our Lord’s glory. We are proud of you!
I’m so proud of this great future leader; a lot of young up coming leaders can cut a pattern from his ways. All the best on your future endeavours Mr Sondlo
Dumisani
Hardwork does pay .Am so happy for you Shlobo sam.
Congratulations my brother! What can I say, God is good and He will continue to make you shine before men. Thank you for making us proud once more. Ebeyakuthi uTamkhulu – “Elam igama….”!
Hey brother, you make us proud. Keep up the good work. It is true indeed the “elam’ igama lakwaziwa naphesheya kweelwandle,” as our grandfather used to say.
Hi Dumisani
I salute you on your excellent achievements. You are indeed a role model to our students at the Military Academy in Saldanha Bay. We shall follow your progress in future with excitement.
Hi Dumisani
Congrats on your wonderful achievement!!! God bless you. (Hope you still remember me .. ECDoH)
do you provide civil engineering?