An outstanding student has scooped top honours in a prestigious international design competition for students.

Jaime Scholz, who entered the competition as an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design student in the Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design, was announced the first prize winner of the Accor Design Awards 2023 during the recent awards ceremony, held in Paris, France.

Jaime said she was incredibly grateful to have been named the winner of the competition.

“Hearing the news felt like a dream turned into reality and I'm deeply honoured to be recognised alongside such talented designers and their incredible projects.
The journey to Paris was an invaluable experience that I can't thank the Accor Team and sponsors enough for making possible. Getting to know the Accor Team, the judges, and the other finalists, as well as their remarkable projects, was an absolute pleasure.”

She said the entire experience had not only been a boost to her personal growth but also a significant steppingstone in her career.

“The sky is the limit and I'm eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to my mentor, Colleen Cocotos, for her unwavering guidance and support. To Colleen, the department, my family, and friends, I'm incredibly thankful for all the support they've provided. For any fellow students who are considering entering similar competitions, I hope my achievement can serve as inspiration for you to take that leap of faith. Success might be closer than you think.”

This year’s theme was: "Imagining Mercure hotels social hub, placing local food and beverage and sustainability at the heart" and Jaime’s entry was titled Mercure Africa Safari Edition.

The win marks the third international award for Jaime. She was among the winners in the renowned International BLT Awards for her Clinic Design and secured another victory in the International LIT Awards.

Head of Department, Rayner Moodley, commended the exceptional achievement, which he said highlighted the dedication and hard work displayed by both the student and staff involved.

For more information, please visit:

• https://www.instagram.com/accor_design/
• https://www.instagram.com/accor/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/accor/

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Postgraduate student Tezna Abrahams PLY recently returned from the Paralympic Games in Paris where she proudly represented South Africa in track and field.

The MTech Sport Management student has only been participating in athletics for a short time but has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

“I initially started in swimming, which was my first love, but I found my passion in athletics. The switch to track was actually a random idea. I got locally classified in 2022 but only started my track career in January 2023.

“The thrill of competition and the opportunity to excel in track and field pushed me to make the transition. Through athletics, I’ve discovered my true potential, allowing me to push my boundaries and explore new personal limits.”

She competes in the T44 classification, which is for athletes with lower limb impairments and has broken the African record in the long jump three times.

“My impairment has taught me resilience and perseverance. Sport has played a huge role in my life by giving me a platform to push past my limitations, excel, and inspire others. Breaking the African long jump record three times has been a highlight in showing that with dedication, I can surpass expectations and set new standards, not just for myself, but for other athletes facing similar challenges.

“Physically, my preparation includes rigorous training, strength conditioning, and focusing on techniques that enhance my performance in each event. Mentally, I've worked on maintaining a positive mindset, building mental resilience, and staying focused on my goals. Balancing both aspects is key to being at my best on the global stage.”

At the Paralympic Games she participated in the long jump and the 200m.
In the long jump she finished 11th in the final with a new African record of 4.46m. She recorded a personal best of 31.17 seconds in the 200m, securing 10th place.

“Representing South Africa on the global stage is an honour and a privilege. It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about being a role model and showing the world the strength and potential of athletes with disabilities. It's a reminder that hard work and dedication can take you far, regardless of challenges.”

She said balancing her training with her studies, her work as a retention specialist in the iGaming industry, and spending time with family requires careful planning and time management.

“It’s about setting priorities, and I’m fortunate to have supportive people around me who understand the demands of my sport and career.”

Her message to young athletes, especially those with disabilities, is to never underestimate their abilities.

“Your challenges can become your strengths if you stay determined. The key is to believe in yourself and not let any limitations define your potential.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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