The start of the #UnisaGraduations2022 #circleofexcellence spring graduations on 04 October saw a colourful assembly of graduates, and their families, in an atmosphere filled with ululations, boisterous excitement and cheers.
The ZK Matthews Great Hall at the university’s main campus was filled with graduates from all walks of life, dressed in graduation regalia, some adorned with traditional beadwork jewellery.
The third session of the spring graduations, with took place at 18:00, saw two former Presidents of the Republic of South Africa present in one sitting – Dr Thabo Mbeki, also the university’s Chancellor, and the Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe. Motlanthe was there to support his wife and Former First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Mrs Prudence Zerah Motlanthe, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Human Sciences. Mrs Motlanthe is also a former Unisa Student Representative Council member.
In her opening remarks Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa said: “As an academic institution that always strives for excellence, we take pride in training people who will go out to shape Africa’s intellectual futures in the service of humanity. Your achievements only enhance what you already are and what you can become. As such, your graduation is but one important leap, a giant leap indeed. A brighter future awaits you all!”
Graduates in their own words
Read also: Spring is in the air, and so are graduations at Unisa!
*By Godfrey Madibane, Unisa Radio Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2022/10/05