Unisa KZN hosts memorable Spring graduations

Unisa KwaZulu-Natal region recently hosted a massive spring graduation ceremony at Durban Exhibition Centre. Approximately 2700 students walked the red carpet to be conferred their qualifications during the three-day graduation ceremony. Unisa offers study opportunities to over 370,000 students from across South Africa, Africa, and other parts of the world. Starting the ceremony on a sombre note, Simon Magwaza graduated posthumously with a Master of Education, a degree obtained Cum Laude. His wife, Sithokozile Nothando Magwaza, received his degree.

Unisa dignitaries at the KZN spring graduations ceremony

Among the students who graduated were Dr Christopher John Luman, Dr Mduduzi Eric Zakwe, Dr Athi Enkosi Mavukwana, Dr Ntombenhle Cecilia Dube, Dr Xolani Lawrence Mhlongo, Dr Patrick Zingiza Mselekwa, Dr Thanduxolo Rubela, Dr Fhathima Ebrahim, Dr Sifiso Vincent Dludla, Dr Geoffrey John Kimetto, Dr Karryne Lee Powell, Dr Anushie Moonasar, Dr Faizai Khan and Dr Sipho Mazibuko who received their doctoral degrees from respective colleges. 

Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, said: "At Unisa, we make an effort to achieve academic success and excellence, virtues that define us as a truly Pan- African university that shapes futures in the service of humanity." He added: "We are very proud that every year we produce a significant number of graduates who are knowledgeable and skilled in different disciplines and are ready to apply their acquired knowledge to question but also to advance our societies."

Khehla further said: "We are happy that you'll be joining more than 1 million alumni of Unisa spread across the world. We do not doubt you will continue our proud tradition of raising the Unisa flag of excellence wherever you go."

Prince Thokozani Zulu (left) and Prince Mcebisi Zulu (right) accompanied Prince Nkosinathi Zulu (centre) who received his LLB Degree at Unisa

In the heart and soul of the Zulu Kingdom, the graduation ceremonies were honoured by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Nkosinathi Themba Zulu of eMatheni Zulu Royal House, who graduated with an LLB Degree. The Zulu Royal members from eMatheni, eGazini, eNyonini and KwaMandlakazi Royal Houses accompanied Prince Zulu, a proud Unisa alumnus, as he joined other Royal members who are Unisa alumni. 

Aphiwe Dlamini and Matthew Anthony McCauley

Unisa student leaders who graduated were Aphiwe Dlamini, the Secretary General of the  National Student Representative Council, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. He roared on the stage with a chant of celebration of his achievement. Former Regional Student Representative Council,  Ntombizekhethelo Hlengwa, graduated with a BA in Forensic Science and Technology from the College of Law.

Ending the ceremonies on a humourous note, Matthew Anthony McCauley, who received his Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, was celebrated after his graduation picture was widely shared on social media. McCauley says he is often referred to as a "Jesus look-alike", and when he shared his photographs online, many people reshared it, claiming that Jesus was graduating at Unisa. 

#2023UnisaSpringGraduations   #Unisa150   #CircleOfExcellence

*By Mduduzi Ndunakazi, Communication and Marketing, KZN Region