2024 Graduation Season: An Overview

Last week (6 – 10 May), the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) joined scores of families around the country in celebrating the milestones that had been reached by its 2024 graduates.

The much-anticipated week was marked by ululations that reverberated in the King Bhekuzulu Hall, tears of joy shed by both graduates and parents as they reflected on their challenging journeys, and bursts of elation expressed through song and dance on stage. For some families, the ceremonies were history-in-the-making as they witnessed the very first graduates in their families.

The Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law (FCAL) was the first to confer higher certificates, diplomas as well as bachelor, honours, master’s and doctoral degrees over two graduation ceremonies. FCAL was succeeded by the Faculty of Education which conferred its qualifications in three ceremonies, followed by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which held three ceremonies and finally, the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering which held two ceremonies.

Professor Xoliswa Mtose, UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor and Principal was delighted to witness and address the 2024 cohort of graduates. “This year, we are graduating a total of 3 677 of which 2463 are undergraduates, 618 postgraduate certificates and diplomas, 405 honours, 111 master’s and 80 doctorates,” she said.

“These statistics cast a shadow of doubt on the label of being a historically disadvantaged institution. With such performance, resilience against the supposed handicaps associated with an HDI is yielding positive results. We remain determined to succeed against all odds. We ask nothing less of our students and our academics. At this point, I would like to commend the faculties for the sterling work they are doing. Well done, colleagues! Congratulations to you all.

“As I conclude, I would like to remind you of my opening statement that graduation ceremonies are occasions of acknowledging your resilience and celebrating achievements and successes. They are moments of joy in the lives of all graduandi, parents and relatives. They also mark the determination and great strides made by you graduandi in attaining your degrees. Always remember the people who have supported you throughout your studies, namely your professors, lecturers, parents, guardians, partners, friends, who often made personal sacrifices in order to provide you with the best education possible ever.”

As the attendees processed the latter, Prof Mtose proceeded to address the parents and relatives – the unsung heroes- thanking them for their unshakable support of their loved ones during their studies and the countless nights they spent interceding for them. At that point, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal prompted all graduates to stand up and salute their parents and guardians for the sacrifices they made to ensure a brighter future for them.

Nine of the 10 graduation ceremonies were graced by guest speakers who are accomplished and revered in their respective fields. These speakers addressed the graduates, providing them with key advice to consider as they navigate the terrains of the workplace.  

– Naledi Hlefane

Picture: Xolani Ncube