University of Pretoria cuts through the top at esteemed Thinkahead Awards 2008

Cilliers, a fourth-year BA(Information Design) student at the University of Pretoria was presented with various prizes that included an Apple Mac, sponsored by Think, Adobe software, a ticket to Design Indaba, a Woolworth's gift hamper, an SL Magazine subscription and new design books courtesy of Affinity Publishing and The Loerie Awards. The prize recipient also walked away with a one-month internship at SL Magazine.

Over one hundred and eighty final year students from 23 tertiary institutions around the country had entered their portfolios this year. Other UP receivers of awards, including silvers and merits for individual pieces, were Elske Nel, Johan Scheepers, Alexandra Bruns, Gabriella Botha and Sidhika Sooklal. The evening’s theme was a Final Year Clearance Sale and the event was well attended by at least four hundred guests, who incorporated students, academics, and creative directors from highly regarded design agencies in Johannesburg.

According to Prof Sandra Klopper, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Pretoria, this dual achievement underlines the major role played by both students and the institution in promoting design excellence in South Africa.