Speaking at the ceremonies, UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said the momentous graduation coincided with a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the university's establishment in 2013, which represents a decade of excellence and the creation of countless opportunities.
Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, she said, "Year after year, we gather in this magnificent academic setting to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and to reinforce the intellectual connections that unite us with those who have walked across this stage and earned their degrees from our esteemed institution. We also extend our appreciation to those who will continue this tradition for generations to come."
“I am extremely honoured to be associated with people who place a premium on education; people who have chosen knowledge over ignorance; tenacity over complacency and hope over disillusionment. During the years you have spent at UMP, you have grown as individuals, gained new experience, and acquired a solid foundation and problem-solving competencies that will serve you well in the future."
This year's gr
aduation coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of UMP.
She continued to acknowledge those who are graduating with distinctions, recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards and the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship.
"I want you to know that I am greatly honoured to share this special moment with you. As the Vice-Chancellor, graduation ceremonies represent special moments that I cherish in my leadership journey.
This is a moment of pride in your achievements and anticipation for the opportunities, and accomplishments that lie ahead. The journey could not have been easy – but you, nevertheless, stuck to the task and saw it through to the end. You have embodied the UMP values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, diversity, relevance, adaptability, and inspiration."
Reaping the rewards
Professor Mayekiso made specific mention of each student’s part in UMP’s pioneering journey, and their contribution towards the amazing UMP story that began a few years ago when the university welcomed its first students and were urged to use their time at UMP productively and to be bold in their intellectual pursuits.
“We mentioned that it was our responsibility as a university to create a supportive environment that nurtures your enthusiasm and guides you to success. I have looked on with admiration and pride at the many ways in which you, our students, have excelled and grown into being the outstanding citizens you were meant to become. We have grown together. We knew that you could succeed, and today we see the proof.”
Professor Mayekiso extended her gratitude not only to the students but also to the parents, families, and friends who have provided unwavering love, support, and understanding throughout the students' pioneering journey. She acknowledged that while the focus of the occasion was on the students, there were significant individuals present who have made substantial contributions towards their journey, leading them to this joyous milestone in life.
UMP Chancellor Judge Maya and Vice-Chancellor Prof Mayekiso, flanked by Prof Israel, Prof Mbewe and Prof Gumede.
“We congratulate and appreciate the parents, families, and friends for all the love, support and understanding they provided to our graduates. Please take this opportunity to thank them. Today is not only a day of celebration, but a moment of reflection as well," she said.
The Vice-Chancellor challenged the students to rise to the occasion and find innovative and creative ways to take the country forward.
“I hope that we have equipped you with the capacity to lead fulfilled, meaningful, and successful lives. Lives that will proceed to empower and enrich other lives and in so doing contribute to making the world a better place than you found it. The message is: Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it."
In her concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that life's challenges persist and cited the insightful words of D. Roosevelt: "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."
She conveyed that the sea of life will always present obstacles, and it is our responsibility to develop the skills and resilience necessary to navigate through adversity.
Highlights of the eighth graduation:
• 1 235 degrees and diplomas were conferred.
• 32 master's degrees across 40 different qualifications.
• 12 qualifications were awarded for the very first time.
• 67.6% female students and 32.4% male students graduated.
• A total of 75 students earning the prestigious distinction of cum laude.
Among these accomplished graduates, 46 were recipients of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship. These exceptional individuals hailed from five different countries, namely South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
@ Story by Mahudi Molapo. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto.