DHL GradStar Awards 2022 – “10 of the Finest” winners demonstrate representative approach of GradStar

*Represented students announced at end of the article and also at www.gradstar.com

On 1 December 2022, the DHL GradStar Awards wowed with the diverse and inclusive stance they take in identifying South Africa’s future leaders. 

There is no more nationally focussed graduate employment programme in the country. 2022 featured entries from 52 tertiary learning institutions nationally and received almost 8 000 individual student applications. The commitment to the democratisation of access to opportunity in employment for these young learners is what keeps this programme alive, and was clearly demonstrated at this year’s event. 

GradStar has now completed its seventh year around the sun, and is responsible for promoting and securing the employment of hundreds of South Africa’s youth. Unlike university career fairs, GradStar partners with learning institutions from across the country to ensure all tertiary learners receive the opportunity to be profiled in front of the country’s top employers. In addition to long-term headline partner DHL, the prominent organisations behind this youth upliftment initiative are Absa, Fasken, Epiroc, Gautrain and BMW. Other key partners include Avis, Imperial and the Golden Key International Honours Society. 

Partnering with the FutureFit Academy, the brainchild of Industrial Psychologist Dr Eric Albertini, GradStar identifies the most employable learners according to the criteria of 15 Future Fit Skills needed in the workplace. These criteria are the result of Dr Albertini’s PhD thesis and have been adopted by organisations internationally (www.futurefitacademy.com). 

All candidate applications go through the GradStar App, a new initiative that further demonstrates GradStar’s commitment to inclusivity. The candidates complete a self-assessment online to stand a chance of becoming selected for the Top 500. Once selected, the experts at the FutureFit Academy pore for hours over the submissions which comprise a key skills indicator, a complimentary full Future Fit strengths report and a two-minute video presentation from each candidate. Clearly demonstrating their understanding of the market they are dealing with, GradStar requires that the learners not only complete the Future Fit assessment and receive their detailed report, but also complete a personal development plan based on the findings in the report, guaranteeing these young people find the time to analyse their own personal results. A win for all involved. 

Once the Top 100 most employable students are identified, GradStar transports all 100 into Johannesburg for a 4-day employment immersion extravaganza. GradStar and its sponsors carry all the cost for this once again demonstrating their commitment to democratising access to opportunity for all. 

The Top 100 students in attendance were striking in both their diversity and their commonality, hailing from all corners of the country, and studying a multitude of courses. They all had a common commitment to employment, for the betterment of their communities and for social justice. 

Laura Barker, founder of the GradStar Awards and CEO of BlackBark Productions, observed: “It is critical that employers stay relevant and visible to the workforce of the future. Through the GradStar Programme we have found a way to bridge the gap between the learning institution and the world of work. We are delighted to play a part in the employment of so many young people, who may not otherwise have been recognised.” 

Master Judge Dr Albertini had the following to say about the 2022 Top 100: “I found the calibre of entries to be extremely high, and the results reflect all the qualities and attributes of a successful future employee.”

Paul Clegg from DHL — which has demonstrated its commitment to supporting talent through this programme for the past five years — commented: “We are thrilled to be associated with the GradStar programme, as we believe there is no better investment to make than in the future leaders of the great country of ours, and it is without question that the top 100 GradStar selected students fit into that category.”

During the day on 1 December, the Top 100 Finalists engaged in a full day of workshops, in which all the students had the opportunity to impress the Sponsor Employers and judges. This is how the “10 of the Finest” were chosen and announced at the Gala Dinner that evening, at the Indaba Hotel In Fourways.  Many of the Top 100 finalists go on to receive employment opportunities from the partnering companies. 

Employers were unanimous in their praise of the Top 10 students selected. These students were selected based on their leadership capabilities, their ability to perform in a team and, most importantly, because they will make great future employees at some of the largest firms in the country. 

A big thank you to the GradStar App, its developers and the amazing BlackBark team, all of whom helped to make all this possible. Students can download the GradStar App for free from all app stores. 

We are also delighted to announce that DHL will remain the platinum partner for the programme for 2023. 

DHL GRADSTAR 2022 Top100

Name	University	Qualification
Nthabiseng Desiree Hlabahlaba	Boston City Campus and Business College (PTY) Ltd	Bachelor of Commerce in Management Marketing
Gabisile Nzunga	Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd	Higher Certificate: Advertising and Integrated Communication Practice
Jennisha Dayanarain	Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd	Diploma in Human Resource Management
Fiya Mabunda	Cape Peninsula University of Technology	Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management
Jenalee Govender	Durban University of Technology	Bachelor of Technology: Engineering: Mechanical
Nikita Singh	Durban University of Technology	Master of Technology: Engineering: Chemical
Siphindile Radebe	Durban University of Technology	Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering
Zabathembu Mthembu	Durban University of Technology	Bachelor of Technology: Engineering: Civil
Shaeel Baliram	Durban University of Technology	Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Power Engineering
Nevesan Naidoo	Durban University of Technology	Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic Engineering
Monalisa Mapapu	Nelson Mandela University	Advanced Diploma in Business Studies
Alulutho Cita	Nelson Mandela University	Bachelor of Technology: Human Resources Management
Yonela Peter	Nelson Mandela University	Bachelor of Commerce: Financial Planning
Hlengiwe Nzama	Nelson Mandela University	Bachelor of Commerce: Financial Planning
Alfred Kwaku Adjei	Nelson Mandela University	Bachelor of Laws
Ashley van der Westhuizen	North West University	Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Refilwe Molebatsi	North West University	Bachelor of Commerce
Paul Penyane	North West University	Bachelor of Laws
Philani Ngubane	North West University	Bachelor of Health Sciences
Mosa Seleke	Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute)	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management
Tsebo Molatelo Molope	Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute)	Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology
Nqobile Nzimande	Rhodes University	Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies
Rosemary Ravhuhali	Rhodes University	Bachelor of Laws
Casey Ludick	Rhodes University	Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies
Sinenhlanhla Ncube	Rhodes University	Bachelor of Pharmacy
Gisele Lavita	Stellenbosch University	Doctor of Laws
Melt Hugo	Stellenbosch University	Bachelor of Science: Biological Sciences
Jacobus George van Dyk	Stellenbosch University	Bachelor of Engineering
Keaton Harris	Stellenbosch University	Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bantu Zwane	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)	Advanced Diploma in Environmental Sciences
Arehone Matambele	University of Cape Town	Bachelor of Commerce
Trevana Moodley	University of Cape Town	Master of Laws in Environmental Law
Mahima Maharaj	University of Cape Town	Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Shatlyss Ranta	University of Cape Town	Bachelor of Commerce
Annelisa Caniat	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Arts Honours in Employment Relations
Luyanda Sindiswa Zulu	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Arts: Humanities
Lindiwe Sibisi	University of Johannesburg	Master of Arts in Philosophy
Thobejane Modipadi Karabo	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Technology: Engineering: Civil
Tshiamo Dikobe	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Tapiwa Chimombe	University of Johannesburg	Diploma in Human Resource Management
Felicia Ndou	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Laws
Mercy Tebogo Baloyi	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management
Nokwanda Mkhwanazi	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Nozipho Ngwenya	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Arts in Community Development and Leadership
Bridgette Mebalo	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Arts in Community    Development and Leadership
Nolwazi Patricia Khumalo	University of Johannesburg	National Diploma: Biotechnology
Humbelani Manyadze	University of Johannesburg	Advanced Diploma in Quality
Chirag Soni	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

Tshepo Mashele	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics
Yusuf Cassim	University of Johannesburg	Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology
Yakira Sookdew	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Social Science
Christel Sellamaya	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Laws
Vidyuta Samlal	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Theshaya Naidoo	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Doctor of Social Science
Angela Govender	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Education Honours
Namutula Mukelabai	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Nadia Anjapan	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management
Mayuri Pillai	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Jonathan Naicker	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management
Ruwayne Esop	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Development Studies
Nathan Pillay	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology
Mhlengi Fakude	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistical Sciences in Applied Mathematics
Bhavesh Singh	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Construction
Nolukhanyo	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Laws
Mulanga Phophi Cathy Mulaudzi	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Commerce in Taxation
Tshiamo Ramothibe	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Education: Teaching and Training Studies
Joy Makua	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning
Nedine van der Merwe	University of Pretoria	Master of Science in Physics
Ncobile Longwe	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management
Tiara Joseph	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Laws
Lindokuhle Songxi	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
Bhekithemba Vilane	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Education: Teaching and Training Studies
Kaamil-Inaam Naicker	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
Jabu Kovani	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
Chester Lekhuleni	University of Pretoria	Bachelor of Information Science
Lee-Ann Jacobs	University of South Africa	Diploma: Law
Tasneem Salemane	University of South Africa	Diploma: Law
Ursula Skosana	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Sihle Nyalungu	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Mulalo Mbadi	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Mbalenhle Themba	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Lethabo Mogotsi	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Sikuyo Mbokodi	University of South Africa	Bachelor of Laws
Tshiamo Modiba	University of the Free State	Master of Commerce: Economics: Research
Jana de Kluiver	University of the Free State	Master of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation
Palesa Nhlapo	University of the Free State	Bachelor of Law
Siyamthanda Nikani	University of the Free State	Bachelor of Laws
Lebogang Koka	University of the Free State	Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Business Management
Tinovimba Semu	University of the Free State	Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Economics
Lwanele Tenyane	University of the Free State	Master of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation
Hendrik Steyn	University of the Free State	Advanced Certificate in Education (Further Education Biology Education)
Xabsa Ahmed Mohumed	University of the Western Cape	Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
Leonardo Muller	University of the Western Cape	Bachelor of Law
Alyssa Kista	University of Witwatersrand	Bachelor of Science Honours
Relebohile	University of Witwatersrand	Bachelor of Commerce Honours
Khanyisile Makhubu	University of Witwatersrand	Bachelor of Science Honours
Jonathan Kyamogi	University of Witwatersrand	Master Of Commerce in Information Systems
Thandeka Malemela	Vaal University of Technology	National Diploma: Marketing
Solomso Menzi	Walter Sisulu University	Bachelor of Psychology
Thandaza Piliso	Walter Sisulu University	Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management