Durban hosts successful Spring graduations

A bumper Unisa spring graduation season took place in Durban from 31 October to 3 November 2022. Nine ceremonies were held, and a total of 2 174 students graduated. 

Many of the graduates received their doctoral degrees. It was a proud moment when the Branch Librarian from Pietermaritzburg, Senzeni Makhathini, received her Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science. She evaluated service quality for postgraduate students at selected academic libraries in South Africa in her thesis. The results revealed that academic libraries in South Africa provide the same online information resource services by using modern technology to enhance service provision. These libraries also train postgraduate students in accessing and using the library services.

However, South Africa is still lagging behind overseas academic libraries in terms of infrastructure. As a result, South African academic libraries depend on overseas standards to guide service quality, posing service provision challenges. In addition, academic libraries in South Africa do not have a service charter but rely on the mission and vision of their mother institutions.

Left to right: Prof P LenkaBula (Vice-Chancellor & Principal), Dr S Makhathini, Dr J Myeza (Regional Director)	Left to right: Z Mkhize, Dr J Myeza (Regional Director), His Worship, Mxolisi Mkhize, the Honourable Deputy Mayor of the Msunduzi Municipality
Dr A Gopaul received her Doctor of Law (LLD) degree.	Dr L Roothman received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Languages, Linguistics and Literature.

The following students received their doctoral degrees:

• Mrs AN Mbatha:  PhD (Doctor of Nursing)
• Mrs L Roothman:  PhD (Doctor ofLanguages, Linguistics and Literature)
• Mr M Muchineripi received his PhD (Doctor of Education) – in absentia
• Mr P Pillay:  PhD (Doctor of Criminal Justice)
• Mrs S Harripersadh:  PhD (Doctor of Psychology)
• Mr P Subramoney:  PhD (Doctor of Education)
• Mr B Appalsamy:  Doctor of Business Leadership
• Mr M Muthusamy:  Doctor of Business Leadership
• Mrs N Saneka:  PhD (Doctor of Education)
• Ms A Gopaul:  PhD (Doctor of Law)
• Mr C Magwaza:  PhD (Doctor of Education)

The region also welcomed former Unisa employee, His Worship, Mxolisi Mkhize, the Honourable Deputy Mayor of the Msunduzi Municipality, who attended the ceremony where his wife,  Zinhle Mkhize, received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. 

*By Jo Cossavella, Communication Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region