Autumn feels like spring as new graduates celebrate

At the start of Unisa’s autumn graduation ceremonies, newly minted graduates experienced the joy of successfully completing their studies and the pride of walking across the stage at the ZK Matthews Great Hall. The university hosts graduation ceremonies as a way of congratulating distance students in excelling despite many challenges they are faced with along their academic journeys.

Commencing on 14 March 2022, Unisa’s autumn graduation season was the culmination of sheer hard work and persistence on the part of students who displayed resilience during uncertain times worldwide.

In her congratulatory message to graduates, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, emphasised the importance of comprehensive, open, distance and e-learning education, not only in South Africa but also internationally. ‘Unisa has armed you all with the requisite knowledge that will hopefully enable you to thrive in the world,’ she said. ‘With good prospects, you will not only seek employment, but even more importantly in our day, will surely provide employment to others and, by the same token, anchor your participation in socio-political, economic, and other contexts. As a graduate of Unisa, you are encouraged to transfer knowledge to transform life to better yourself, family, community, society, with a local and global outlook.’

Two Bachelor of Education (BEd) graduates and a proud parent shared their graduation highlights and messages to inspire other students with Malose Mokwatedi, Acting Deputy Director: Communication in Unisa’s Department of Institutional Advancement.

Thabang Molele

Johanna Molele

Kgomotso Mary Tlabela

Graduate Thabang Molele said that he is excited and feeling empowered after having completed his studies. ‘We need to engage ourselves in education,’ he said. ‘Read, study, and assist your communities through education. I am so happy that I am done.’

Thabang’s mother, Johanna Molele, expressed her heartfelt joy. ‘I am happy that my son is the first child to graduate in our family,’ she said. ‘Well done to Thabang – he worked hard during difficult circumstances and never gave up. Financial constraints did not discourage Thabang from furthering his studies. We hustled to help him study. Here he is today, having completed his qualification. We admire his resilience.’

Graduate Kgomotso Mary Tlabela encouraged students to take education seriously.  ‘I would like to encourage other learners with the message that it is never too late to start studying. I thank God that graduation ceremonies are taking place this year.’

*By Lesego Chiloane-Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement