The Unisa Midlands Region Spring Graduation Ceremony took place on 24 October 2025 at the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein.

In his welcome address, Dr Azwinndini Tshivhase, Acting Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support, congratulated the graduates for choosing Unisa as their university of choice. He noted that over the past 152 years, Unisa has been a leading institution in the higher education sector in South Africa, as well as across the continent and globally. "As an institution of higher learning," he said, "we strive to reimagine the higher education landscape through our daily activities and operations, reclaiming the intellectual futures of Africans, because we believe we have the tools to create a better world for all of us."

He emphasised that Unisa graduates are living proof that the university has guided them on the path of independent learning, self-direction, digital competence and resourcefulness. They have been empowered in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Tshivhase described the graduates as embodying resilience, strength and the capacity to navigate technical issues and overcome various challenges. He encouraged them to remain connected to the university: "Go and make Unisa proud of your achievements and keep shining the light of academic excellence on the world stage," he said.

Dr Moses Hlongoane, Executive Dean of the College of Accounting Sciences, reminded graduates that a Unisa qualification is more than a certificate – it represents dedication, resilience and perseverance. "As we celebrate achievement, we should also acknowledge the socio-economic challenges that continue to affect the nation and the broader African continent," he said.

Hlongoane emphasised that creating employment opportunities is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. "We cannot discuss poverty without addressing unemployment; therefore, there is a need to invest in education and skills development," he said.

Hlongoane challenged the graduates to go beyond seeking employment and instead use their education and skills to create employment opportunities. He encouraged them to explore ways of harnessing Africa’s natural resources to generate new opportunities. He further urged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge they had gained to find solutions to the challenges confronting the country and the continent, to drive positive change and to shape the future of society.

Hlongoane further highlighted that complex challenges, such as economic inequality, corruption, weak governance, limited access to healthcare, climate change, inadequate infrastructure and political instability, require comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable solutions. He noted that collaboration across various government sectors and communities is necessary to address these issues.

"Be a beacon in your communities," he urged. "Let your knowledge and education contribute meaningfully to solving the challenges we face as a nation and as a continent," Hlongoane added. "The basic education system needs to be reformed, and infrastructure needs to be improved." "Through Unisa's catalytic niche areas, we have the potential to address these challenges," he noted.

From left: Dr Butinyana Shadrack Mlangeni, Lindelwa Moiloa and Dr Kananelo Sylvester Moea

Graduates in their own words

Butinyana Shadrack Mlangeni earned a Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Unisa with a thesis titled "Urban planning and design: impediments to the full realisation of the constitutional right of access to adequate housing in South Africa". Originally from Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State, Mlangeni now serves as a senior magistrate in Butterworth, Eastern Cape. "This is a great achievement and personal development that I will use in various legal aspects of my career," he said. "I'm ready to impart the knowledge and skills I've gained to others."

Kananeo Sylvester Moea obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Education. His thesis, titled "Exploring the influence of Grade 11 learners’ English vocabulary proficiency on reading comprehension performance in Lesotho", reflects his passion for education. Moea currently works as a quality assurance officer at the Examinations Council of Lesotho. He shared this guiding principle: "When you do something, do it with passion or don’t do it at all."

Lindelwa Moiloa obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology of Education with distinction. As a teacher, Moiloa had to balance work, family and study commitments. She said: "I had many sleepless nights throughout my study journey, but I really appreciate the support and encouragement from my family, friends and colleagues". She added with a laugh, "They call me Cum Laudian". 

Aubrey Bonolo Tau from Lime Acres in the Northern Cape graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Commerce, specialising in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. "The excitement is indescribable," he said. "I still can't believe that I completed my qualification with distinction." Tau has since enrolled for a BCom Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at Unisa.

* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Midlands Region