Student 24/7 May 2014 | Page 6

CAMPUS NEWS Open Day attracts a record number of visitors Annette Willemse The recent Open Day of the Vaal Campus saw a record number of learners – some from as far as Limpopo, the Free State and KwaZuluNatal, in attendance. It is estimated that more than 3 500 learners attended the event. The Open Day provides students and their parents the golden opportuni- ty to learn more about the fields of study that are available, the admission requirements, finances as well as student accommodation. Grade 11 and 12 students also have the opportunity to speak to both academic and support staff in order to get first-hand information regarding the academic offerings of the campus as well as the support services that are in place to assist students. A look back at the beauty of our Beauty Pageants Annette Willemse What a month of Pageantry! And yes; I mean that in the literal sense. The month of May saw residence after residence hold their annual Beauty Pageants; from South Africa to Las Vegas; the themes, the clothes, the beautiful students on our Campus showed exactly what they are made of. To narrow it down to a favourite residence, for me, would be impossible. Eah has its own culture, ideas and creativity. but that doesn’t mean I can’t give you a taste of what each residence (or residences) had to offer, and you can make up your own mind from there... A look at the residences Acacia and Oryx The theme? The Dark Circus. As always you can rely on Acacia and Oryx to think completely out of the box with their themes and events. Who doesn’t love the idea of going to a Circus, with popcorn, slushies and cotton candy close by. With both residences HKs dressing as though something out of Tim Burton’s dream, and some fancy foorwork by the finalists; the night was one to remember. Jasmyn, Verries, Thuthuka The three original on-campus residences came together to show their Royalty roots. The dresses, the de- 6 - Student 24/7 cor, the night. While I couldn’t be at it personally, I only heard good things, and loved looking at the images. Faranani The residents of Faranani went out of their way to make everyone feel special on their night. Not only was their a beauty pageant for the Mr and Miss Faranani, but the residence also joined forces with the Thick Madames to show that all women are beautiful. The theme was an interesting one as well... Playboy Mansion... Who would have thought. But it worked; with all the contestants looking either like bunnies or younger (much younger) Hugh Hefners. Kumba-Horizon Our two new residences came together to show that while they may be new to the residences, they can create a night to remember just as well as the veterans. Loved the theme of Las Vegas, with the feel of a casino with red and black, and cards decoratively used. Ebukhosini Our new off-campus residence also showed that they can step up to the plate with an African Royalty theme for the night. Amazing performances, well planned event by the HKs and some very creative decorations to go well with the theme. It was worth the confusing drive (I suck at directions and get lost easily). Longfellow Kasi with Style... An interesting theme, and it worked. What I loved was the introduction of a South African fashion designer in the form of the Formal Section of the event. I will admit, I am definitely going to get the number and give them a call! Santrust I had a lot of fun with the theme, Black and Gold. Safe to say I definitely followed that to a tee. The Mbazo Lounge was a great location, though lighting for me was a bit dark, but still enough light to see all the beautiful students. Best of all, once the event was over, you were already at the club for a great afterparty. How awesome?! You had to see it, to truly enjoy and appreciate the hardwork that all the HKs went through to make sure their nights were one of a kind. Each one was unique, and night s I will definitely remember. Congrats to all the students and staff involved in all the events. I am already excited to see what next year has to bring! I know one thing; as soon as I know the dates for all the pageants, I will definitetly be keeping my calendar open for them.I hope the themes are just as fun, and I think the HKs for 2015 will have some competition to beat this years beauty pageants. Well done to all the winners, and I hope all of you make your residences proud this year.