Seven Maties, of whom two students of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, were under the Top 100 GradStars who gathered in Johannesburg last week for two days of learning and recognition as part of the 2019 GradStar Awards. A rigorous judging process culminated in a day of workshops hosted by potential employers.

GradStar, a programme operated by BlackBark Productions, recognizes the Top 100 students across the country based on leadership qualities and readiness for the workplace.

Liana Maheso, a postgraduate student in Transport and Logistics, and Danielle Kruger, a BCom (International Business) student, as well as five students from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University were identified as under the top 100 most employable students.

At the celebratory gala dinner on Thursday (19 September 2019), the names of the Top 10 were announced. SU's Travis Defty, an engineering student, was one of the Top 10.

According to Ms Laura Barker, Managing Director of BlackBark Productions, “We receive over 3 500 entries, which are then narrowed down to the top 100, and eventually to 10 of the finest."

She said all 100 top students are connected with a successful business mentor to further ready them for the workplace. They also receive the opportunity to attend a leadership conference the following day.

“Many of the Top 100 recognized students have received job offers from major employers as a result of being recognized through this programme," Ms Barker said.

• 1st ​Photo: Liana Maheso (far left) and Danielle Kruger (3rd from left) from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences with fellow SU students who are under the Top 100 GradStars of 2019.
• 2nd Photo: Danielle Kruger (far left) and Liana Maheso (in the centre) with fellow SU students at the GradStar gala dinner.