Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will officially welcome the Class of 2026, comprising more than 2 200 first-year students, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Welcome Ceremony for first-time entering students, marking the formal commencement of the 2026 academic year.
The ceremony constitutes the University’s first formal institutional engagement with its newest cohort and signals entry into academic life at SPU. It affirms the University’s commitment to student success, a sense of belonging, and the development of graduates who are grounded in the values and responsibilities associated with public higher education.
In her first address of the academic year, Professor Debra Meyer, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, will welcome first-year students and reflect on the values, expectations, and responsibilities that define an SPU student. Her message will speak to the formation of graduates grounded in dignity, service, accountability, and active citizenship, establishing a clear foundation for students’ academic journeys in alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
A central moment of the ceremony will be the Passing of the Beacon of Light, a symbolic act through which the Class of 2025 passes the flame to the incoming Class of 2026. Rooted in the University’s motto, Light from Africa for Humanity, this moment reflects continuity, shared purpose, and the responsibility carried by each new cohort to contribute meaningfully to society.
The ceremony will be live-streamed, enabling parents, guardians, alumni, and members of the broader community to share in this milestone moment. The livestream will be available via the University’s official YouTube channel here.
Following the Welcome Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, together with members of University leadership, will lead the Varsity Shield Jersey Handover, during which SPU’s Rugby Team will officially receive their jerseys ahead of the 2026 season. This moment allows the University community to formally acknowledge and support the team as they represent SPU on a national sporting platform.
