‘Study further, upskill and reskill’

On a beautiful spring day, the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus was filled with dressed-to-kill graduates attending their #UnisaGraduations2022. The new alumni were supported by their loved ones who came to witness as they joined Unisa’s #CircleOfExcellence. The ceremony was attended by local and continental dignitaries from various sectors.

Professor Puleng LenkaBula

As she welcomed everyone, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), indicated that at least 42 000 students will be graduating during the 2022 spring season. She said: “I am truly elated that Unisa, through its knowledge pursuit, is at the centre of creating knowledge arenas that are important for harnessing the economic trajectories and opportunities of our country, continent and the global arena.” She indicated that these spring graduations are special as they take place a year before the celebration of Unisa’s 150 years existence.

The VC delightedly reminded attendees that Unisa is the inventor of distance education in the world. She maintained that through the knowledge and skills received from Unisa, more than one million alumni, including prominent local and international figures, are making a difference in the world. “Unisa alumni represent a community of knowledge that honours dignity, integrity and the pursuit for knowledge,” noted the VC.

Dr Thabo Mbeki

In his address titled “After graduation, what is next?”, former President of South Africa and Unisa’s Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, remarked: “This day marks the end of your previous academic journey, but commands you to further your studies or expand your horizons.” Mbeki expressed his appreciation for the various support structures that the students had in their academic journeys. Encouraging students to study further, upskill and reskill, Mbeki warned that undergraduate qualifications are gradually losing their status. He acknowledged that this makes it difficult for new graduates to secure employment.

Mbeki remarked: “Study further to become prominent scholars who can solve global challenges through research and innovation.” He added: “Also, pursue entrepreneurship to create employment and improve the country’s economic status.” Mbeki encouraged graduates to be involved in Unisa’s 10 catalytic niche areas and to consult their respective colleges to know more about them. He also advised them to be ethical in their activities.

Mbeki concluded by lauding graduates for their commitment and assuring them that this academic milestone is also a personal achievement.

From the left: Sithembiso Msimango, Karabo Makgamatho, Lesego Moitse and Charity Mpangane

The graduates’ voices

Sithembiso Msimango, Bachelor of Education

Studying through Unisa was doable but I encourage the university to provide more student support. However, the online examinations had clear instructions and were convenient. For us as students, the journey has not ended – let us keep learning.

Karabo Makgamatho, Diploma in Public Relations

I found online examinations more convenient than venue examinations as they provided effective time to prepare. However, writing online still requires you to study hard to achieve the best results. Do not be discouraged by social media claims that Unisa is difficult; it is not, you just have to be determined.

Lesego Moitse, Diploma in Security Management

It was not difficult to use Unisa’s online systems for studying and writing examinations. However, it was difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic and with load shedding. I advise students who will be writing online examinations to have backups such as generators or solar systems.

Charity Mpangane, LLB Degree

As an alumna from contact universities, I had to adjust to Unisa’s systems of studying online and independently, but assistance was provided. Just because examinations are written online, does not mean students should relax, they need to be committed. To the alumni, it does not end here; let us keep studying.

From the left: Sydney Kemp, Jean-Pierre Kriek, Lucy-Skye Hammond and Dr Edmore Dongo

Sydney Kemp, BA Honours in Criminology

Online learning can be challenging as opposed to contact learning, but it is flexible and straight-forward. I encourage the university’s lecturers and support staff to communicate more effectively and be more responsive to students. My advice to student is to keep working hard and stay focused.

Jean-Pierre Kriek, Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management

As a businessman who had to work tirelessly and travel around the world, I found Unisa to be flexible and was able to take study breaks in between. This qualification will assist me in my career to enhance my business knowledge and skills. Even if you take time and study at your convenience, make sure that you finish what you started.

Lucy-Skye Hammond, Master of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

My experience studying through Unisa was pleasant as I had support from my lecturers. I did my master’s during the COVID-19 pandemic but had access to my supervisor any day of the week. Distance learning students need to invest time in their studies as their lecturers are willing to put in the time.

Dr Edmore Dongo, PhD in Education

Learning through Unisa was user-friendly but needs someone who is dedicated, can prioritise tasks and has good time management skills as that can help achieve your goals. Make sure that you do your academic work in time and plan effectively and strategically.

Read also: Spring is in the air, and so are graduations at Unisa! and Palpable excitement as Unisa's spring graduations commence.

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement