A blooming celebration at Unisa's Cape Town Campus

On a sunny 22 September 2023, the Unisa Cape Town Campus in Parow came alive with joyous 150-year celebrations. The occasion was the Mmabatho Rose-planting ceremony – a celebration of history, culture, and nature. This event which was marked by the planting of 150 Mmabatho Roses over two days brought together students, staff, and special guests in a festive atmosphere.

Celebrating Heritage Day!

Celebrating Heritage Day!

The Mmabatho Rose and Ludwig’s Roses

The Mmabatho Rose – a variety developed by the renowned Ludwig’s Roses – holds a special place in the hearts of the Unisa community. Ludwig’s Roses, arguably the most prominent rose breeder in this country, has a legacy of producing exquisite rose varieties. The Mmabatho Rose is no exception, known for its bright-orange colour which symbolises the flame in the Unisa crest.

Neville Smit shares his knowledge on roses

Neville Smit, Gardener Extraordinaire

The ceremony featured guest speaker, Neville Smit, a gardener at the Unisa Cape Town Campus. Smit, who is well-loved by the regional community for his dedication and expertise, will be overseeing and caring for the newly planted roses on campus. In his heartfelt address, he shared his passion for roses and the importance of caring for these beautiful flowers. He emphasised how flowers, including roses, add value to our lives by bringing beauty and serenity to our surroundings.

Carl Pretorius: Unveiling the legacy of the Mmabatho Rose

The keynote speaker at the event was Carl Pretorius, Deputy Director of Operations and Facilities at Unisa. In his enlightening address, he provided a comprehensive background on the Mmabatho rose, highlighting its significance as a symbol of Unisa, reflecting the institution's commitment to shaping the futures of individuals in the service of humanity. The Mmabatho Rose, with its stunning appearance and meaningful name, serves as a reminder of the unity and diversity that Unisa strives to uphold.

Carl Pretorius delivers his keynote address

Harmonious notes: The Unisa regional choir

Adding a melodious touch to the event, the Unisa Regional Choir blessed attendees' ears with two captivating songs. Their harmonious performance resonated with the theme of unity and togetherness, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the day.

Heritage Day and a feast for all

The ceremony of planting the Mmabatho Roses was not only about flowers, but also about celebrating heritage and milestones. To coincide with South Africa's Heritage Day, a traditional spit-braai was set up on campus. As the tantalising aroma of roasting meat filled the air, everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious meal. It was a time of coming together, sharing stories, and celebrating Unisa's 150-year journey in higher education.

Against the backdrop of the sprawling Unisa Cape Town Campus, the 150 Mmabatho Roses now stand as a living testament to the university's commitment to nurturing diversity, unity, and knowledge. This event was a reminder that while education is at the core of Unisa's mission, the beauty of nature, the power of culture, and the significance of heritage all play integral roles in shaping the future.

#Unisa150

By Lee-Anne Davids, Communication Officer, Unisa Western Cape Region