Two Nelson Mandela University architecture students have put Nelson Mandela Bay on the global map after overcoming delayed visas, missed flights and even lost luggage to win one of the world’s most prestigious student architecture competitions.
Representing South Africa at the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest in Belgrade, Serbia, Smith and Scholtz refused to let a series of travel setbacks stand in the way of success, ultimately claiming first place against teams from around the world.
Their journey was anything but straightforward.
After visa delays forced last-minute changes to their travel plans, the team narrowly secured replacement flights and arrived in Belgrade shortly after midnight on 23 June. To make matters worse, one of their suitcases failed to arrive with them.
Despite the disruption, they remained focused and delivered their presentation with confidence, impressing the international judging panel and securing the world title for South Africa.
“They never allowed the setbacks to distract them from why they were there,” said Lindokuhle Mkize.
“They adapted, stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most. Those are qualities that will serve them throughout their careers.”
Nelson Mandela Bay talent shines on the world stage
For Nelson Mandela Bay, the victory is another reminder of the world-class talent emerging from Nelson Mandela University.
According to Mkize, the winning project stood out because it considered far more than the building itself.
“Many student projects focus primarily on the building,” he said.
“This team looked beyond that. They considered the site, the people and the broader experience. The design connected people, place and purpose in a way that felt thoughtful, mature and refreshing.”
The Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest challenges students to tackle real-world design problems through sustainable thinking and innovative architectural solutions.
From Belgrade to Paris
As part of their prize, Smith and Scholtz will travel to Saint-Gobain’s global headquarters in Paris alongside Andrews and representatives from Saint-Gobain South Africa, where they will meet international leaders in sustainable construction and architectural innovation.
Why this matters for Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela University has long produced graduates making an impact nationally and internationally, and this latest achievement highlights the calibre of young professionals being developed right here in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Their story is about far more than architecture.
It is about resilience.
Between delayed visas, rewritten itineraries, missed flights and missing luggage, the pair demonstrated the very qualities their profession demands: adaptability, creativity and the ability to find solutions when plans change.
Every great building starts with a blueprint, but every architect knows the journey rarely unfolds exactly as planned.
For these Nelson Mandela University students, the road to becoming world champions proved that resilience can be just as important as great design, bringing another remarkable international achievement home to Nelson Mandela Bay.
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