The ceremony will honour students who completed their qualifications in 2020 and 2021 but were unable to attend in-person graduations due to national lockdown regulations, which limited opportunities for formal celebrations.
Mr Thabang Mashiloane, now a PhD candidate at North-West University, is among those looking forward to marking the occasion in person.
On the day of his virtual graduation for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Mr Mashiloane was in lockdown in Cape Town with his family. In a display of true Ubuntu, his family and neighbours transformed their home into a makeshift graduation venue.
“We transformed our living room into a makeshift graduation hall, cheering as if there were a crowd of thousands. This moment served as a poignant reminder that while the pursuit of a degree can be a lonely journey, we are often sustained by the unexpected kindness of others. Success is a collective effort, built on the shoulders of both world-renowned professors and supportive neighbours,” he said.
Looking ahead to the ceremony, he described it as a meaningful moment for those who marked their achievements under unusual circumstances. “This day will be a ‘homecoming’ that honours the sacrifice of every student who maintained their discipline through years of isolation.”
Mr Mashiloane’s connection to UMP has continued through his academic career. From 2021 to 2024, he served as an Associate Lecturer before being appointed as a full-time Lecturer in 2024.
Mr Msizi Ramaoka, currently a PhD student at the University of Pretoria, also describes his virtual graduation as a significant milestone.
“I initially experienced it virtually at home, sitting with my parents as our names were called. It was a proud moment for all of us,” he said, mentioning that when restrictions eased later that year, he created an opportunity to celebrate in person.
“After receiving my scholarship from Citrus Research International, I decided to mark the achievement. I took my parents out for lunch, borrowed a graduation gown, hired a photographer, and captured the moment through pictures. As the first graduate in my family, it was important for me to honour that milestone and share it with them.”
Mr Ramaoka now works as a Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council – Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) within the Crop Protection Division (Entomology).
“I contribute to a project focused on technology transfer and diagnostic services for pest and disease control in tropical and subtropical crops, funded by the Department of Agriculture,” he added. “My role allows me to work closely with smallholder farmers, facilitating training and sharing knowledge that helps improve pest management practices and supports food security.”
For Kenneth Mokone, now a PhD student, the ceremony offers an opportunity to formally mark earlier achievements. “I celebrated at home, and our names were displayed on YouTube and the radio. Although it was different from the traditional experience, it was still a proud and memorable moment,” he said.
He completed both a Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production and an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Production Management during that period. “This day is more meaningful because I achieved my studies Cum Laude, and that laid the foundation for my academic journey at UMP,” he said.
The special graduation provides a long-awaited opportunity for these alumni to be recognised together, closing a chapter that began under extraordinary circumstances.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.