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18/01/2022

Given the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic and the need to responsibly manage the safety of our University community, the Faculty Welcomes and VC’s Welcoming Ceremony for new students will once again be held virtually.

Orientation will also mainly be offered in a virtual format.

Three Components

There are three main components to welcoming our almost 6000 new students to Mandela University in 2022.

  • Orientation, known as the First Year Success (FYS) programme, from 24 January.
  • Faculty Welcomes, inclusive of a George Campus Welcome, from Tuesday 25 January to Friday 28 January, and
  • VC’s Welcome Address on Saturday, 29 January 

Dedicated Welcome Webpage

A webpage dedicated to all matters relating to welcoming new students to their academic studies at the University, including the above three aspects, is available. But for now, here are the details relating to the key aspects outlined above.

FYS Orientation Programme

Our pre-university connection programme will share information with all accepted and provisionally- accepted students via our social media platforms (orientation webpage, Facebook, Instagram and the Telegram platform).

In addition, FYS Buddies will connect with new students via WhatsApp and MS Teams after their final acceptance and then commence with their FYS@Mandela Orientation groups from 24 January 2022.

Academic Support and Social Orientation sessions will be held via MS Teams Live for the remainder of the FYS Programme.  

Faculty Welcomes

Each of the Deans will formally welcome all new students and their significant others in a virtual format, that also includes an MS Teams Live session in which Faculty staff will share additional information and provide an opportunity for engagement.

 These sessions will be hosted as follows:

  1. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences Tuesday, 25 January 17:30
  2. Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology Tuesday, 25 January 19:00
  3. Faculty of Education Wednesday, 26 January 17:30
  4. Faculty of Law Wednesday, 26 January 19:00
  5. Faculty of Health Sciences Thursday, 27 January 17:30
  6.  Faculty of Humanities Thursday, 27 January 19:00
  7. Faculty of Science Friday, 28 January 17:30
  8. George Campus Friday, 28 January 19:00


Every session will be recorded and shared on the University’s webinar page and YouTube channel for the convenience of those who are unable to attend the online event.

Work is underway to support the faculties in hosting these sessions, including technical support during the actual live events.

VC Welcome

A pre-recorded address by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa welcoming new students and their families will premiere live on our University YouTube channel at 9am on Saturday, 29 January.

Contact information
Mrs Debbie Derry
Deputy Director: Communication
Tel: 041 504 3057
debbie.derry@mandela.ac.za