Change the world

08/04/2014

The verdict is out! NMMU’s inaugural ball at the Hyatt Regency Resort Oubaai was indeed a shining occasion, setting an enviable benchmark for what is to become an annual event in aid of a bursary fund for the George Campus’ most deserving students of academic merit.

From being gently ushered in by NMMU’s very own student leaders, amidst the soothing sounds of classical music, to being announced by NMMU’s glamorous and professional, “homegrown” masters of ceremonies, and welcomed by the Grand Ball patrons, Prof Quinton and Dr Bridget Johnson and NMMU management, followed by a delectable dinner, exquisite entertainment and the company of like-minded people with a bright view of the future, the Grand Ball lived up to its five-star expectations.  It also included a sneak preview of NMMU’s new television advertisement which is set to further extend the reach of the NMMU brand nationally.  This “homegrown” production with its strong emotional appeal features a voice-over by Dr John Khani, who holds an Honorary Doctorate degree from NMMU.

Guests who chose to support this glamorous event included the First Citizens of George and Plettenberg Bay, Ald Charles Standers and Ald Memory Booysen;  former Ambassador to the US, Dr Franklin Sonn; NMMU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Piet Naudé and deans of the university; members of the education, organised business and religious sectors and numerous other dignitaries. 

Key media sponsors, Group Editors Media and Eden FM, and the Hyatt Regency Oubaai Resort, were represented by the George Herald Editor, Ms Ilse Schoonraad; Mr Morne Pietersen, Eden FM Station Manager; Ms Milissa Els, Marketing Communication Manager at the Hyatt, and other members of their staff. 

NMMU and the Grand Ball patrons, Prof Quinton and Dr Bridget Johnson, would like to thank all participants, donors, sponsors and guests for their support of this ongoing project aimed empowering qualifying young people to attain their full academic potential through the necessary financial support. 

Further pledges or contributions towards the NMMU George Madibaz Bursary Fund are invited.

 

Taking a break from the dance-floor… Dr Franklin Sonn (former SA ambassador to the US), Proff Quinton Johnson (NMMU George Campus Principal and patron of the Grand Ball) and Piet Naudé (NMMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic), Drs Oswald Franks (NMMU Dean of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology – EBEIT) and Raymond Patel (Chairperson of the University of the Western Cape Council).

Glamorous, but grounded…  NMMU Grand Ball patrons, Prof Quinton Johnson and his wife Dr Bridget Johnson.

Homegrown masters of ceremonies…. Mr Pieter Swart, NMMU’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations, and former NMMU Public relations student who now works for Link FM in East London, Ms Shalom Khandanisa, ensured that the Grand Ball proceedings flowed seamlessly.

Living the value of Ubuntu…  NMMU George Campus student leaders not only attended the Grand Ball, representing the student community, but also raised funds on their own initiative in support of this cause – the NMMU George Campus Bursary Fund.

Living up to the Grand Ball promise… as the evening progressed, guests found the music and dance-floor irresistible…

Masks for the ladies added to the allure of the evening

Well masked…

Grand Ball sponsors and key stakeholders were elegantly represented by…

Ms Milissa Els, Marketing Communications Manager of Hyatt Regency Resort Oubaai.

Ms Ilse Schoonraad, Editor of George Herald and her husband, Mr Christo Kritzinger, as well as Ms Lizanne Pieterse and Ryno Schraader; and Mr Myron Rabinowitz.

George Herald’s Ms Lizanne Pieterse and fiancée Ryno Schraader.

Mr Morne Pietersen of Eden FM and his wife, Melda; and Eden FM staff members – Mss Nomonde Makhubalo, Frankie Crause and Mr Selwyn and Mrs Katy Brooks.