On 2 August, the Faculty of Health Sciences held a talent show which featured the various talents of the faculty’s student body at the Musaion Theatre. The show put on an array of performances, from musical numbers to piano solos, and even a choreographed dance with a Chinese yo-yo (Diabolo) that simply defied the laws of gravity.
Qhawekazi Moepya, the External Culture Officer for the Pulse Executive Committee, shared the extensive preparation process behind the talent show. Planning began last year, starting with securing a suitable venue—a task made challenging by previous issues with venue availability. The committee wanted to ensure everything was in place, from auditions to final performances.
The auditions, held at the end of May, were crucial for selecting the finalists. This process required coordination with the faculty, especially for funding essential elements like food, sound, and lighting. Moepya emphasised the importance of expanding the talent show’s scope, aiming to include a broader range of talents and make the event more inclusive by involving other faculties.
Since its return in 2022, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the talent show has evolved significantly. Moepya noted that the event had grown in scale and complexity, with increased professionalism and quality. The inclusion of professional lighting and a proper studio setup elevated the production value, enhancing the experience for both performers and the audience.
Karen du Preez, the Faculty Manager for the Faculty of Health Sciences, highlighted the importance of the talent show as a platform for students to express themselves beyond academics. She praised the hard work and dedication of the participants, noting that the event provided a much-needed break from their rigorous academic schedules and celebrated the holistic development of students.
The talent show featured a variety of performances that captivated the audience. Among the highlights was a rendition of “What About Us” by Nicole Sutton, Vice-Chairperson and the Academic Officer for Health House, and Christine Geertsema, her resident “daughter” at Curelitzia. Their performance, which showcased a deep connection and mutual appreciation for music, was a standout moment of the evening.
Another memorable act was by Keatlegile Mathale, a final-year medical student who played the guitar and sang. Mathale, who has been playing the guitar since primary school, expressed how music serves as a creative outlet amidst the demands of medical school.
Teboho Sam Hlatshwayo, a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ choir, and the chairperson of Health House, described performing in front of the student body as empowering and engaging. He emphasised the importance of the energy exchange between the performers and the audience, which enhanced the overall performance.
After the show, PDBY caught up with various audience members to get their thoughts on the performances. One audience member said, “the show was quite impressive” Another said it “showcased the hidden talents of students at the university, particularly those in the Faculty of Health Sciences who are just seen as brainiacs”. Another audience member commented that the performances “left them thoroughly entertained as it was not just conventional talents on display, but unique ones that they hadn’t heard of before”. Every audience member that engaged with PDBY that night was filled with nothing but praise for the artistry and talents that Health Sciences students showcased on the Musaion stage. Members of the audience who did not get a chance to speak with the paper, made their opinions known with frequent standing ovations as performers took a bow at the end of their set.
Prof. Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, also shared his thoughts on the event. He remarked, “The Pulse Talent [Show] is the highlight on the faculty calendar. [It is] the event I always look forward to the most because it’s the most enjoyable. I’m amazed by the talent our students [have]. They’re performing academically, but you can put them on this stage and they will outperform anybody else. So, I’m very proud of the Health Sciences students and I’m looking forward to the evening to relax and enjoy the event.”
These raving reviews highlight that the talent show was a great hit with the audience in attendance, and proved Professor de Jager’s sentiments, which were shared at the start of the show, about, “Health Sciences being not just about celebrating the human body but celebrating the human soul”, true.
PDBY would also like to congratulate Chantelle Ferreira, Ofentse Mashiane, and Khanyisile Gumede on winning the talent show. The 2024 Health Sciences Talent Show was a resounding success, celebrating the incredible talents of the students and the dedication of the organisers. It was a night filled with music, dance, and camaraderie, reminding everyone that the students of the Faculty of Health Sciences are truly remarkable in every aspect of their lives.