Unisa graduations have resumed

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is pleased to announce that the 2022 Autumn Graduations, which had to be postponed as a precautionary measure due to industrial action at the university, have resumed in earnest today (Monday 27 June 2022) and will run until 5 August 2022.  

The first round of these graduations is scheduled for today and tomorrow (28 June 2022) in Polokwane, Limpopo, after which the ceremonies will move to Tshwane, Cape Town, Durban and East London on designated dates. The university is communicating directly with the affected students about their respective graduation dates.   

The university regards graduations as very important and sacred ceremonies for itself, the students as well as their families and relatives – a tradition that has been kept for centuries throughout history. They represent the pinnacle and culmination of the hard work that students and academics have put in over the years. As a university, we take pride in this sacred tradition that seeks to honour, recognise and reward hard work, academic success and excellence.

Shonda Rhimes reminds us that -

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral and pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change."

For many of our students, graduation ceremonies serve as the first ever meaningful recognition and achievement – the fulfilment of not only a lifelong dream, but the restoration of their sense of worth and indeed the reaffirmation of their humanity.

The university extends its sincerest appreciation to the staff members whose hard work and dedication has made it possible for the graduation ceremonies to resume. We equally recognise and thank the affected students and other stakeholders for their patience and understanding given the inconvenience caused by the postponement of the graduations.

We appeal to all stakeholders, especially staff members, to play their part in ensuring that the graduations are a resounding success and memorable for the graduating students and their loved ones. Let us all play our part in making Unisa proud.