Graduation day is a significant event, marking the culmination of years of effort and commitment. On 6 May 2023, joyful celebrations took place at Sol Plaatje University’s 8th Graduation Ceremony, held at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, with proud graduates and their families in attendance.
A total of 766 graduands were capped at the auspicious ceremony with family and friends singing and dancing in celebration, joined by more than 3 000 viewers streaming in on the SPU YouTube Channel to watch the day’s proceedings.
In just nine years, SPU has achieved remarkable growth, celebrating its first masters’ graduates at this prestigious ceremony. Vhugala Mulaudzi and Kagiso Thalitha Moroane earned their Master of Arts in Sociology, showcasing research on youth health services in rural South Africa and worker agency in the gig economy, respectively.
In the largest graduating class since its inception, the ceremony unfolded in two sessions, which this year featured SPU’s second Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Debra Meyer, forming part of the academic procession. The morning session celebrated 156 School of Economic & Management Sciences, 161 School of Humanities, and 120 School of Natural Applied Sciences graduates. The afternoon session honoured 329 School of Education graduates, making them the most substantial group capped at graduation to date.
Two distinguished guest speakers, Associate Professor Ahmed Bawa from the University of Johannesburg and Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness at the University of Cape Town, imparted their knowledge, insights and wisdom to the attending graduates.
At the end of the ceremony, graduates, led by Convocation President Mr Thabo Moshe, crossed over the bridge to join SPU’s expanding alumni. A festive atmosphere permeated the Alumni Court, with graduates taking photos alongside family, friends, and classmates.
A warm and hearty congratulations to all graduates: SPU wishes you great success and prosperity – today and tomorrow.