THOHOYANDOU - Last Saturday was a big day for Charlotte Pfanani Kwinda and her family, as she was recognised as the top student at the University of Venda for Science and Technology's graduation ceremony.

At 37, Pfanani broke the record by becoming the first part-time student to achieve this feat.

Pfananani won a trophy and a prize from Vevisa Lodge, after she became the best student in the School of Agriculture, where she was doing the newly-introduced Bachelor of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences course.

She also received the Dr Zahida Ahmed Student Award, the School Medallion and the Senate Medallion. Pfananani also won a gold medal for the best overall student at the graduation ceremony.

In her own words, Pfananani, who has a Secondary Teacher's Diploma, a BA degree, a BEd Honours and a Further Education Diploma in Computer Studies, said "One needs to be committed in getting what you want. If you love something, give yourself time for that," she said.

Last year Pfananani produced a top student in Economics in the Mutale district matric results. "So, I just put more effort into whatever I do." Meanwhile, her husband Fulufhelo, said he was over the moon about her achievements. "I am very excited. This is the reason why we came to this function with our children, Thabelo (18), Ramudzuli (13) and Phuluso (12)".

Vevisa Lodge Managing Director, Barry Banga Ramunenyiwa, said he was happy that one of their prizes was won by the student who became an overall winner. Another student who won a Vevisa Lodge Sponsored prize is Abel Ramoela in Environmental Sciences under Food Science and Technology. Ramunenyiwa said he was also happy about Univen's management who allowed them to be associated with an African University of the future.

"This clearly indicates that Univen also wants to give us, emerging entrepreneurs, a chance to be exposed. We are looking forward to a very successful five years of our relationship as we are sponsoring these two prizes for five years," said Ramunenyiwa.