Growth is painful, change is painful

'Invest in knowing yourselves and be ready to unlearn and re-learn to make lasting changes in your communities and workspaces,' Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mercantile Law, Dr Sebo Tladi, told graduates in Bloemfontein recently. Approximately 1 100 Unisans received certificates, diplomas and degrees at the ceremony.

Proud graduates during the graduation ceremony in Bloemfontein, from left: Moses Sefali ( BCom Management Accounting); Bianca Barnard ( BA Health Science and Social Siences); Julia Mokoena ( Bachelor of Information Science); Chantelle Schnuir ( BCom Financial Accounting); Pule Kalane ( Hons BED Mathematics Education)

She encouraged graduates to invest in the knowledge they acquired through their studying and life journey. Dr Tladi referred to knowledge as information, facts, skills acquired through experience and education. This also included being aware and conscious, and appreciating whatever it is for you. Individuals should acquire knowledge of self, which requires evidence as practical understanding when interacting with others, within a given personality from those around you. Understanding includes grasp, grip, mastering perceptions, interpretation and cognisance.

Dr Tladi indicated that knowledge is expensive and urged graduates to invest and, share it to improve communities.  With the acquired knowledge, individuals should also make introspection and discard what is no longer valuable and take necessary steps to prepare for the future.  She said a change of mindset and transformation is needed at all times.

Some of the graduates who completed their master's degrees, from left: Hendrick van Niekerk (MBL); Martin Makofane (MBL); Maitse Makhorong (MED Education Management); Tabeta Seeiso (MA Nursing Sciences) and Tselane Masila (MA Labour Law)

Dr Tladi highlighted that transformation is part of human growth and it starts with the self. To transform the world, individuals need to start now to renew their minds without making comparison to others because comparison shows a lack of self-understanding. Although every individual has weaknesses and strengths, skills and talents, these can be utilized for the betterment of the community.

'Growth is painful, change is painful, but nothing is as painful as to stuck somewhere you don’t belong,' said Tladi.

*By Thotogelo Masenya