Unisa Eastern Cape celebrates spring graduations with Chancellor Mbeki

The atmosphere at the East London International Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as proud graduates, their families and friends, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the awarding of 442 degrees and diplomas by the Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki.

Excited graduates eagerly waiting to have their degrees and diplomas conferred by the Chancellor

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Professor Puleng LenkaBula set a positive tone for the event, emphasising the importance of education and lifelong learning. She reminded all that the graduates have not only been comprehensively trained in their respective fields of study, but also possessed digital expertise aligned with digitalisation systems and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Professor Maelekanyo Mulaudzi, Acting Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, underscored the significance of the graduates' qualifications within society. He highlighted that these credentials would equip the graduates to make substantial contributions within their communities. He also stressed the importance of fostering entrepreneurial endeavours in the Eastern Cape region to stimulate job creation and mitigate poverty.

Distinguished guests in attendance

In his congratulatory address, Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, commended the graduates for their remarkable achievement in earning their degrees and diplomas, underscoring the significance of graduations as a moment of great pride for the university.

Unisa Eastern Cape Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) Undergraduate Officer, Sinazo Tshaka, was among the graduates. She received a Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management. Esona Marepula, a visually impaired student, also achieved a significant milestone, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree, his second qualification from Unisa. Marepula expressed gratitude for Unisa's accommodating environment, emphasising its inspirational impact on individuals living with disabilities.

RSRC Undergraduate Officer, Sinazo Tshaka, obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management

The spring graduation ceremony was a true celebration of knowledge, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. It also served as a source of inspiration for the graduates to emerge as leaders and drive transformative change, while embracing the endless opportunities that lie ahead.

The distinguished guests in attendance included the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Andreas Brand, Executive Director of Border-Kei Chamber of Business, Lizelle Maurice, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Lulama Vava, and the Principal of Buffalo City TVET College, Mathibela Tema. Their attendance led to a discussion regarding possible strategic collaborations between the different organisations and the University

* By Ayanda Mdunge, Communication and Marketing Intern, Unisa Eastern Cape Region