On 10 March, the STARS Mentorship Programme hosted its first annual Meet and Greet – an exciting gathering between mentors and the Executive Co-Ordinators. The gathering aimed to officially welcome mentors into the mentorship programme and discuss ways to assist first-year students as they transition from high school to university.
The first Meet and Greet was organised by Economic and Management Sciences Executive Co-Ordinator Satya Bandaru, Humanities Executive Co-Ordinator Relebohile Molebatsi, and Theology and Religion Executive Co-Ordinator Lutricia Phiri. The second Meet and Greet, which took place on 11 March, was organised by Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology Executive Co-Ordinator Cynthia Mashaba, in collaboration with Law Co-Ordinator Tidimatso Chauka, Natural Sciences Co-Ordinator Christopher Zulu, and Sports Sciences Co-Ordinator Christina Bourtsoukils. Education Co-Ordinator Kholofelo Maphanga, with the support of the STARS Mentorship Executive Co-Ordinators, will host the Education Meet and Greet at a later stage.
PDBY spoke to Thandazile Hlakanyane, a mentor for the STARS Mentorship Programme who attended the event. She said, “The event was good, especially when the Executive Co-Ordinators spoke about day houses and academic success coaches.” She further explained that this was helpful “because there are second- and third-year mentors who do not know about these resources”. Hlakanyane also said that mentors often participate in the programme with the expectation of receiving certificates, but they may not be aware of the tools needed for effective mentorship. She added that the event was beneficial in building relationships with mentors from other structures, which she found particularly valuable.
When asked about the purpose of the event, Bandaru explained that the Meet and Greet aimed to introduce Faculty Co-Ordinators to the mentors and encourage collaboration across faculties. She noted that the event allowed mentors to connect with others outside of their own faculty, making it easier for them to reach out for support and share mentorship experiences. Bandaru added that the gathering also highlighted the importance of mentorship while providing an opportunity to network and enjoy the moment together. She pointed out that her highlight of the event was seeing the subcommittee introduce themselves and interact with the mentors. She reflected that the moment made her reminisce about her own journey as a subcommittee member.
Speaking about the second Meet and Greet, Mashaba explained that the purpose of the event was to allow mentors from different faculties to connect in a relaxed social environment. She emphasised that the gathering was not intended to be a formal training session, but rather an opportunity to build relationships, foster collaboration, and strengthen the mentorship community across faculties.
Mashaba explained that the event’s programme centred around six interactive games designed to encourage teamwork and engagement. Mentors were divided into groups and rotated through each activity, allowing them to interact with peers from various faculties. She noted that the programme began with a brief welcome and explanation of the day’s purpose, followed by the games. The festivities concluded with an informal wrap-up where mentors shared feedback while enjoying refreshments.
Reflecting on the event, Mashaba highlighted the lively atmosphere created by the games, noting that they helped break down barriers between faculties. She added that many mentors appreciated the opportunity to laugh, compete, and collaborate outside of their usual academic environment. According to Mashaba, mentors left the event with new friendships, stronger networks, and a renewed sense of unity across faculties, recognising that mentorship is not only about guiding students but also about supporting fellow mentors.
From referral speeches to games and music, the event demonstrated that mentorship is not merely a title. It is an active responsibility that requires continuous learning and engagement. Hosting an event that focuses on mentorship-related discussions marks the beginning of what promises to be an impactful year for the STARS Mentorship Programme. It highlights that mentorship extends beyond academics and plays an important role in helping students fully transition into university life.
Visual: Cynthia Mashaba
