North Eastern Region’s class of ‘23 marks a historic sesquicentennial

Front row, from left: T Mashele (graduate and Member of the National Assembly), Dr L Molepo, Prof M Sepota, HE Thabo Mbeki (Chancellor), Prof Puleng LenkaBula (Principal and VC), MJ Maboa (Chair of Council), Prof LP Mabunda and Prof TD Mashau. Back row: Local high school learners

On 15 April 2023, proud Unisans in the university’s North Eastern Region kicked off graduation season at the Mbombela office. It was a special occasion for the graduating class and the university. This historic moment marks 150 years of Unisa providing world-class qualifications to both South Africans and international students. Unisa Chancellor and former President, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, and Unisa Registrar, Professor Steward Mothata, presided at the various graduation sessions.

The road to graduation can be long and challenging, and the institution is proud of the 1097 students who received their qualifications. The year’s celebration started on a high note. At 10:00 the celebrations began.  The VC welcomed all graduates and the proud families and friends who were there to celebrate with their loved ones. Amongst these graduates was Tim Mashele, Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, who received a BA in Policy studies from the College of Human Sciences.  He was accompanied by students from five high schools around his area. This served as inspiration for everyone in attendance, demonstrating that even the highest position still require dedication to your studies.

Front row from left: K Khoza (Nelspruit Centre Manager), I Sithole (SRC member), B Siboze (SRC member) and Dr L Molepo. Back row, from left: P Seloma (Student Administration Manager), Prof S Mothata (Registrar) and Dr LR Morodi (Director: School of Criminal Justice).

There were exceptional graduates who qualified with several distinctions. Three student leaders gave the university more reasons to be proud as they qualified for their LLB degrees. Last, but not least, were the highest honours of the ceremony with two PHD graduates from the College of Education, Benson Madongorere and Caroline Makonko, receiving their degrees.

The VC congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to study further and not stop having obtained their degrees, but pursue their education until they too join the PhD alumni. She also challenged the PhD graduates to start publishing papers now that they have obtained their qualification. Their academic contributions, she said, were much needed and provided considerable inspiration and information.

As this is a special year for Unisa, Chancellor Mbeki presided at the last graduation session. This was an honour for all who were in attendance. The memorable advice he gave the class of 2023 was that now that they were equipped with the education, they owed it to the country to implement the skills acquired during their study. He concluded: “How fortunate it is that the alumni share in the historic celebrations with the university, as this will not happen for another 50 years, when we reach the bicentennial anniversary!”

The North Eastern Region extends its heartfelt congratulations to all alumni. We trust that you will go out and make a huge difference in your chosen fields and help to bring a new vision and fresh perspectives to the current work environment. As Unisa qualifications are world class and recognised internationally, the whole world is yours!

#Unisa150

* By Nakedi Molokomme, Communication and Marketing Specialist, Unisa North Eastern Region