Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) 10th Graduation Ceremony was held on 25 and 26 April 2025 in the University’s newly built Great Hall; the first official university gathering held in the state-of-the-art venue, adding to the significance of the occasion. The first session celebrated the Faculty of Education, with over 300 graduates who walked across the stage. The venue was filled with graduates, families and friends beaming with pride and excitement in support of the class of 2024.
SPU Deputy Vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Affairs, Prof Debra Meyer officially welcomed all staff, special guests, families and most importantly the graduates. She mentioned in her welcome the number of milestones SPU was breaking on that day. “This is our first graduation in our newly build Great Hall. It is with great pride and immense joy that we gather here today to celebrate the achievements of a record 1245 graduates who will graduate across various disciplines over the next two days. These include the 386 students from the Faculty of Education, 349 undergraduate and 37 postgraduate students graduating in this session. This milestone represents hard work, dedication and the tremendous growth of the University that has happened over the years. Reflecting on this occasion it is remarkable to note how far SPU has come from a modest 11 graduates in 2015, we proudly celebrate the 1245 graduates today and tomorrow.”
The keynote speaker for the first session, SPU Chancellor, Justice Steven A. Majiedt. delivered his address themed: ‘Passion, Purpose and Pedagogy’, dedicated to the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro. “Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was the inaugural chairperson of SPU Council, and one of the first justices of the constitutional court, appointed by President Nelson Mandela in 1995.” Justice Majiedt went on to use the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro’s life as an example of passion and purpose. “Justice Mokgoro was passionate about education, her journey went beyond mere teaching, she led many education initiatives. She was extremely passionate about SPU, and she served it with pride as Council Chairperson. Her landmark judgment in Larbi-Odam and Others v MEC for Education (North-West Province) in 1997 marked a pivotal moment in affirming the employment rights of non-citizen educators in South Africa. He emphasised that the challenges faced by the South African education system today, need committed educators, adding that the Faculty of Education graduates have the most important position in society because they will train the bright minds of the future.
In the second session, SPU outgoing Council Chairperson, Judge Mathebe V. Phatsoane congratulated the graduates in the Faculty of Humanities on their remarkable achievement and encouraged them to celebrate this major milestone with their families, friends and fellow graduates and gave them a few lessons from her personal journey. “These words are not just for lawyers or judges but anyone striving to make a mark in our society. Life is not always fair, embrace that truth perhaps it was never meant to be fair, from inception, sometimes no matter how hard we try, things don’t always unfold as we expect, when that happens, do not lose hope, don’t give up, don’t invalidate your dreams, remember there are still important battles and greater victories to be won, not just for yourself but for all of humanity. I have learnt that life does not owe us fairness, and perhaps that’s why we need good laws and judges, it holds true that working hard is what successful people do. With that said, never cut corners, or compromise your morals, values or integrity just to get ahead or attain instant success. Remember the true cost of success should never be the measure of your character. Hard work, consistency, focus and discipline should be the cornerstone of your journey.”
In the third session, the keynote address was delivered by SPU’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, to the graduating class of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. Prof Crouch’s address was titled ‘The Notion of Homecoming, and What It Means’.
“We are inaugurating this splendid Great Hall with a special graduation ceremony, but this 10th graduation ceremony of SPU is the largest to date. It is also a special day for me, but a sad one too, since this will be my last graduation ceremony as Vice-chancellor and Principal of this wonderful university which I had the privilege to lead for the past 5 years. Not only is it a special day for me, but it must be extra special for the young charges who are going to receive their degrees today after a long and arduous road to this point. It is also special for your families and those who support you on this journey. I would like to think that the theme of my address today is about homecoming, or going back home, and why it is important.” Reflecting on his journey to becoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof Crouch described the decision as not easy, “I embraced the new challenge to further build the University and to make it a resource that the community of Kimberley could be proud of. It became highly personal for me, given my previous experience as a child. My journey at SPU is well documented and characterised by tremendous growth. Growth in student numbers, growth in infrastructure and growth in acceptance that the University has a role to play in the transformation of Kimberley, the Northern Cape and South African society at large. Most of our journeys are marked by sheer grit and determination, taking an opportunity presented to you, wanting to contribute, I implore you all to always look to your communities and find ways to give back, in some cases you may not find the ideal situation to go back to, but regardless, make your mark.”
SPU’s 10th Graduation Ceremony was truly special, the first group of Master of Education qualifications were awarded, while celebrating a class that showed determination despite their age, showing resilience regardless of circumstances. The class of 2024 also included SPU staff members who are furthering their studies, reflecting the institution’s commitment to hiring qualified staff and embracing a culture of lifelong learning. A powerful reflection of shared purpose.
As our graduates step into the world as changemakers and light bearers, they carry with them not only their qualifications, but the values instilled by their SPU journey to make a change in the world.
SPU salutes each graduate for their achievement, and we look forward to the impact graduates will undoubtedly make in shaping a brighter future for all.
To view the ceremonies, visit SPU’s Official YouTube channel.
