Membership to the Club is by invitation only. Students invited to the Club have to achieve and maintain an annual average of at least 75% over their undergraduate studies, full load, with no modules at less than 70%.  Membership commences at the end of the first year of study.  

The purpose of the UJ Top Achievers Club is to;

• Promote academic excellence as a core component of the UJ student identity
• Expose top students to other disciplines and to a broader range of academic debates,  in view of the growing importance of interdisciplinarity
• Further promote UJ values, with participants expected to contribute as well as to receive
• Create a social space where top performing students (from different faculties and campuses) are able to discover each other, and to build partnerships and friendships  

Various privileges are associated with Club membership, for instance student exchanges, student ambassadorships,  industry or professional mentorships, undergraduate Research opportunities, challenge assignments and top residence accommodation (if in residence), to name a few. 

The Faculty of Science is proud to announce that the following students conform to the requirements of the The Top Achievers Club  

BUDA BONGANE (BSc Information Technology)

Buda Bongane came from a small township in East-Rand called Kwa-Thema and he said that when he matriculated, he did not know which course to study. His mathematics teacher told him to study IT and that the University of Johannesburg is one of the best institutions to offer this qualification. He took his advice and applied for IT. 

“At first I did not know what I was doing, because everything was new. The fact that the University of Johannesburg lecturers are so dedicated, helped me finally to understand everything. That did help and through my hard work and dedication, I became one of the top achievers in my course in the Faculty of Science. This shows nothing can stop you, if you really want something, no matter where you come from.” 

EDUARD BOTHA (BSc Information Technology)

Eduard Botha is currently studying an IT degree at the University and he finds it a most rewarding choice.

“After deciding against a career as a professional sportsman, I decided to study a degree that combined both mathematics and computers, as they are both great interests of mine and my current course is extremely satisfying and rewarding in both fields.

My lecturers are as committed to my education as I am. They support and motivate me to keep achieving good marks and to make the most of my time at UJ.

Despite the fact that UJ has the best IT Department, I feel that everyone has made an effort to make me feel right at home, in a place where I spend the biggest part of four important years of my life.”

REBECCA FRANKS  (BSc Information Technology)

“Choosing to study Information Technology at UJ has made me realise I can achieve any goal I set for myself. I did not take any computer related subjects at school and I thought I would battle to be on the same level as the students who did. Now being a Top Achiever at UJ, I realise that I can do anything I set my mind to. Studying at UJ has helped me develop as a person; I have been taught that nothing is impossible to learn. I enjoy the topics covered in my degree, because it is relative to everyday situations in business. It’s a great feeling to learn something new, and to be able to apply the newly learnt knowledge is very rewarding. Apart from gaining new knowledge, I have gained life experience, a range of new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.”

MELANIE HASSE (BSc Mathematical Sciences)

“When faced with the daunting task of choosing a field of study to pursue, to settle on one was not easy! I did eventually manage to make a choice, and I am currently a very happy 2^nd year BSc Mathematical Sciences student, majoring in Mathematics and Statistics. 

This choice has definitely turned out to be the correct one, as it includes a wide spectrum of mathematical subjects, so I'm not bound to one specific career. All subjects are at times quite challenging, but simultaneously very interesting, which makes for a good combination. Also, the passion that my lecturers embody for the subjects they teach is contagious, and I look forward to continuing my studies in UJ's Department of Mathematics.” 

CHADD HUNZINGER  (BSc Financial Mathematics)

“In 2009, when I decided to study at UJ, I was not sure what it was all about.  Schools do not prepare you for your tertiary education experience.  I did not know if I had chosen the right course, but after a few weeks the confusing corridors, seemingly endless staircases, started making sense and I realised that I was in the right place. As my classes shrank, my interest for the fantastic world of Mathematical Sciences grew. To my great surprise I realised I had a genuine talent for Mathematics and Statistics (Was I relieved). I really chose the right course for myself and I want to study this discipline at this crucial stage of my life.

Nearing the completion of my undergraduate degree I have really enjoyed becoming one of the family members of the UJ family. I urge any young person to consider UJ to enrich their lives and to gain an education!”   

SAMANTHA LEIGH-HORN (BSc Sport Science)

Samantha Leigh Horn is a third year student studying a BSc Sport Science at UJ.

“When I was faced with the daunting task of choosing what university to attend once I had completed matric, I attended the open day at the University of Johannesburg where I was extremely impressed with the dynamics and approach UJ had for tertiary education.  UJ then became my obvious choice and to this day UJ has only but offered me the opportunity to grow, excel and mould myself into the hardworking, goal-driven, successful and promising Biokineticist and Sport Scientist.

With being a top achiever at UJ, there were many benefits that has made my time at UJ a rewarding one. These benefits include many subject awards, Top Achiever Awards, Top Achievers Club and Golden Key Honours Society recognition. My time spent at UJ over the past two and a half years has been challenging and exciting, not only being able to enjoy the academic program, yet also the sporting and social aspects in the university.

I look forward to completing my undergraduate degree and moving onto postgraduate studies at UJ. UJ has most definitely presented me with the platform to rethink education and rethink myself!”

NICOLE  SAKINOFSKY (BSc Sport Science)

Nicole Sakinofsky is  a second year student studying a BSc Sport Science at the University.

“The reason I chose to do this course is because I would like to pursue a career in Biokinetics. I find this course extremely interesting and feel that it is giving me an excellent grounding for my honours year in Biokinetics. I intend to rehabilitate dancers once I have obtained my degree and have my own practice. It has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human body and many other related aspects in this field.

I have done well not only because of my dedication and hard work, but also because of the help, guidance and dedication of my lecturers, as well as the strength and support of my family and friends to whom I am very grateful.” 

FRANCOIS  SCHULZ (BSc Mathematical Sciences)

Francois Schulz has been studying at the University of Johannesburg for the the past two and a half years. 

“I am currently enrolled for a BSc degree in Mathematical Sciences with specialization in Applied and Pure Mathematics, and I will be graduating at the end of this academic year.  It is a huge honour and a privilege to have been chosen as one of the top achievers in the Faculty of Science of this fine establishment.  Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I demand excellence and accuracy in everything that I do. With this being said, the University of Johannesburg, and in particular, the Departments of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, has provided me with material of the highest quality and learning facilities of the utmost brilliance. This will ensure that I have the necessary tools and innovative skills to become a first class professional mathematician. The educators at this University are not only extremely knowledgeable, but they also possess the vital skills to ensure that this knowledge is effectively passed on to the students. Moreover, excellence is encouraged at this University and one is constantly motivated and challenged to become all that one can be. I am positive that a postgraduate degree at this institution will ensure that I become one of the pioneers of tomorrow. Hence, I am looking forward to continuing my postgraduate studies at the University of Johannesburg.”

JOHAN VERMEULEN  (BSc Geography and Environmental Management)

“An admiration and respect for the natural world and how it functions, is what originally got me interested in the environmental sciences and motivated me to enroll at the University of Johannesburg for a degree in Geography and Environmental Management. This passion has been greatly enhanced by the experience of getting in touch with people from various social backgrounds who share my enthusiasm. In addition, being taught by lecturers who are leaders in their respective fields, has inspired me to learn more about the natural environment, its history, intricacy, and how it has been influenced by humankind. I believe that an understanding and appreciation for the interconnection of earth’s systems and humankind will provide us with the tools we require to preserve the environment for future generations to enjoy, as we have had the privilege too.”