VC Medallist Sets the Bar for Academic Excellence
EXCELLENCE: Hillary van Turha is the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal recipient.
Thursday, 16 April 2026
The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal recipient earned her Advanced Diploma in Horticulture summa cum laude – scoring an average of 89% over the four-year period.
Hillary van Turha had the audience on their feet when she was awarded this prestigious honour during this morning’s ceremony for the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
“I feel very overwhelmed, but most of all grateful. It’s really been a long journey – I couldn’t have done it without God and my family’s support,” she said.
She matriculated from The Settlers High School in 2011. Living in the vicinity of the Campus, she grew up driving past CPUT often, but little did she know that she would end up at the Institution. Her sister is also an alumnus.
She comes from humble beginnings, with both her parents having no formal university education, and acknowledges them as her role models. They did everything they could to afford their children the best opportunities available.
At first, her attempt at access to the University did not go as planned. However, she persisted and eventually gained access. Hillary graduated her Diploma summa cum laude and also achieved her Advanced Diploma summa cum laude. In the four years leading to her Diploma and Advanced Diploma, Hillary took 31 subjects and attained distinctions in every one of them.
She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture.
Six Dean’s Medals are also awarded during Autum Graduation 2026.
The recipients per Faculty are:
Applied Sciences – Khanyile Hendry
Business and Management Sciences - Hanno Stephanus Botes
Education – Shirene Alexander
Engineering and the Built Environment - Tebogo Diraditsile
Health and Wellness Sciences - Hlologelo Shai
Informatics and Design – Chiree Bosman
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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