University of South Africa Midlands Region observes autumn graduations

The graduation ceremonies were momentous as Unisa conferred an LLB degree on 80-year-old Abel Mokoena. Explaining what inspired him to pursue the qualification, Mokoena says that as a pastor who served the community during the oppression of Africans in South Africa, a difficulty that the community faced was trouble with law enforcers. Therefore, he saw a need to be well-informed about South African laws to intervene and better bridge the gap between the community and law enforcers. He further mentioned that in fulfilling his calling to serve the communities, he drew his strength from the Almighty, a primary reason behind his resilience, determination and perseverance to complete the qualification through Unisa.

Mokoena has received congratulatory messages nationwide, particularly on the Unisa Midlands Regional Facebook page. His achievement challenged and inspired those currently studying and those looking forward to learning further. During the graduation ceremony, he was honoured with a standing ovation and applause from the floor and the procession members as he walked the stage to receive his qualification. His accomplishment has attracted much media attention and scheduled interviews on various media platforms.

On the first graduation day, Dean Collin Langeveldt was conferred a PhD in Education Leadership and Management. Unisa also celebrated the sterling job of a cohort of cum laude students and a handful of students who completed their studies against all odds and passed with distinctions.

Sadly, one mother accepted a posthumous degree awarded to her deceased daughter. However, the ceremony ended on a high note as students and their loved ones indulged in photo sessions.