Sky’s the limit as Unisa’s graduation season continues

Hundreds of newly minted Unisa graduates and their loved ones celebrated the successful culmination of an often challenging – but ultimately rewarding – academic journey at the institution’s Muckleneuk Campus on 8 July.

Having walked proudly across the stage of the historic ZK Matthews Great Hall to receive their hard-won certificates, graduates gathered on the steps of the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building to celebrate with song as they were cheered on by family, friends and colleagues.

The resumption this year of in-person graduation ceremonies has proved to be immensely popular among graduates after the more muted virtual ceremonies which were necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years

Part of a series of graduation ceremonies hosted across the country, the main campus graduation was preceded by events in Polokwane, and will next move to Cape Town, Durban and East London. This year will once again see Unisa producing thousands of top-notch graduates to virtually all professional sectors in South Africa and further afield.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, capping graduates at a recent ceremony

Graduations at Unisa symbolise the pinnacle and culmination of the hard work both students and academics put in over the years. The university takes great pride in this sacred tradition that seeks to honour, recognise and reward hard work, academic success and excellence.

In their own words 

1. Ashleen Coerecius, Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching, College of Education

I am grateful to the Lord for the accomplishment of my qualification. It has not been an easy journey to balance my personal, spiritual, professional, and academic responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic might have saved us some traveling expenses, but it was not easy writing online examinations as we were affected by issues such as load-shedding and technical errors. What keeps me going is being a role model to my children to demonstrate that embracing education is the key to a successful life.

2. Mojalefa Malatjie, Postgraduate Diploma in Information Resource Management, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

There are numerous factors that impacted the physical graduations. It is exciting that Unisa restored the graduation ceremonies physically. My future goal is to study for a master’s degree.

3. Larissa Favit, Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, College of Economic and Management Sciences

The COVID-19 pandemic brought several challenges, but through perseverance, I am delighted to have completed my studies at Unisa. I thank my parents for their support and encouragement throughout my academic journey. The next step is to register for a master’s degree.

4. Weiz Nurmahomed, Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The COVID-19 pandemic was beneficial academically, as our movements were restricted, which provided enough study time. Discipline and hard work enabled me to juggle my work and studies. My goal is to obtain a doctoral qualification and become a full scientist. I advise students to enjoy their studies and learn to strike a balance between them and their personal lives.

5. Thulani Mannie, Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Science Microbiology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

It has not been easy studying during the COVID-19 pandemic, as I had to navigate my studies and some personal challenges. The challenges that I experienced made me stronger and more committed. I would like to pursue my studies to the highest level of academia, and venture into entrepreneurship. I advise my fellow students to study what they are passionate about.

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, and Philip van der Merwe, Editor, Unisa Department of Institutional Advancement