On April 3rd, the department celebrated the capping of 90 BSc graduates majoring in Biochemistry, Microbiology or both, 11 BSc Hons graduates in Biochemistry or Microbiology and two Masters in Bioinformatics graduates. Of these, there were an impressive 22 subject distinctions at BSc level, 5 distinctions at BSc Hons level and 1 distinction at MSc level.

The prize winners for the 2024 academic year were:

SA Breweries Prize and South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Prize (Top 3rd year Biochemistry Student):               Cheryl Mokoena

Duncan/Whiteley Award (Top Biochemistry Honours student registered for MSc in Biochemistry): Caron Rademan

FP Muirhead & MB Rosenberg Memorial Prize (Top 3rd year Microbiology Student): Cheryl Mokoena

Departmental Biochemistry award (Top 3rd year student entering Biochemistry Honours): Cheryl Mokoena

Departmental Microbiology award (Top 3rd year student entering Microbiology Honours): Karabo Lephoto

Merck prize: (Top Microbiology Hons student registered for MSc in Microbiology): Tsepiso Rakoesha

Warm congratulations to all our graduates and we so enjoyed celebrating this important milestone in your lives with you and your loved ones. All the best for whatever comes next in your journey!

• Prof Jo de la Mare, Head of department