The Office of the Registrar
The year began with strong momentum as the new student database, developed with support from our Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department, is now fully operational. This system streamlines the registration process, ensuring that students are registered on the College’s database upon arrival. To date, we have registered 138 students across three accredited programmes and short courses, with 58 certificates already issued.
The Office of the Registrar also welcomed Motsatsi Thosago as the new Academic Administrator for the Higher Education and Training (HET) pillar.
Who is Motsatsi Thosago?
Motsatsi Rahab Thosago was born and raised in a village near Polokwane, Limpopo. Initially aspiring to become a psychologist, her interests shifted in high school when she developed a passion for geography. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Studies at the University of Limpopo, where her enthusiasm for nature and conservation grew.
Driven by a desire to learn, protect, and educate others about the environment, Motsatsi is deeply passionate about conservation. Motsatsi joined the SAWC in July 2022 as a FirstRand intern in the Responsible Resource Management (RRM) department. She later advanced to a Programme Coordinator role before transitioning to the Applied Learning and Research Development department. She now serves as an Academic Administrator under the Registrar’s Office.
Student Health and Wellness Support
The Student Administration and Programme Support department remains committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, with student health and wellness as a top priority. Psychological support services are available during office hours, ensuring that students experiencing challenges receive confidential assistance. Additionally, after-hours medical support and emergency services are accessible 24/7 through the Student Support Officer.
Our partnership with Hlokomela continues to play a vital role, with professional nurses providing primary healthcare and lifestyle services. On-campus peer educators also raise awareness of important health topics. This quarter, the focus was on cancer awareness, particularly breast, prostate, and lung cancer, with an emphasis on regular health checks for early detection.
Student Affairs
The College is dedicated to creating a vibrant student experience through recreational activities. Students are encouraged to use the recreational area, which includes gym equipment, a television lounge, and a swimming pool. This year, students have revived the SAWC soccer team, which is actively competing against other teams.
The SAWC also fosters leadership opportunities through the Student Representative Council (SRC), which serves as the link between the College management and the student body. The 2025 SRC election took place on 7 February, with the new representatives officially commencing their term on 10 February. Their tenure will conclude on 5 December 2025.
2025 Student Representative Council
The SRC election is a dynamic process that empowers students to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests throughout the academic year. This independent exercise fosters leadership, accountability, and student participation. The election period was filled with campaigns, debates, and discussions, culminating in the appointment of the following representatives:
Chairperson – Samkele Hinana (South Africa)
Deputy – Leonard Maqangu (South Africa)
Secretary – Julandi Coetzee (South Africa)
Food Committee – Fagan Goodheart (South Africa) & Billiat Zidana (Malawi)
Environment Committee – Du-Wayne Bartlett & Laurenties Rooi (South Africa)
News Committee – Elvis Chabalala & Eddy Sibuyi (South Africa)
Social Committee – Jason Filander & Zenden Brown (South Africa)
OHS Committee – Khomotso Mokoena & George Fouché (South Africa)
Resource Centre / Library
The Resource Centre had an exciting start to the year. Our new online system is running smoothly, allowing us to manage printing orders electronically, and staff are becoming more comfortable with the platform. The library has been a bustling hub of activity, assisting students with book checkouts and research support.
A recent highlight was a generous donation from Ashwell Glasson, which included a collection of DVDs and a DVD player. This thoughtful contribution sparked reflection on how technology has evolved and reinforced our commitment to expanding our resources beyond books. The Resource Centre is dedicated to building a space that supports learning in all its forms, and we welcome any donations that can contribute to this mission.
Training on Google Classroom
Each year, the Resource Centre introduces new students to Google Classroom, the SAWC’s learning management system. This year’s training session was particularly impressive, as students adapted quickly, demonstrating strong digital literacy. In just one session, they were fully equipped to navigate the platform, marking a promising start to their academic journey.
As the year unfolds, we look forward to more milestones and continued growth in our efforts to support students academically and beyond.