University of South Africa: Palpable excitement as Unisa’s spring graduations commence

The ZK Matthews Great Hall at the university’s main campus was filled with graduates from all walks of life, dressed in graduation regalia, some adorned with traditional beadwork jewellery.

The third session of the spring graduations, with took place at 18:00, saw two former Presidents of the Republic of South Africa present in one sitting – Dr Thabo Mbeki, also the university’s Chancellor, and the Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe. Motlanthe was there to support his wife and Former First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Mrs Prudence Zerah Motlanthe, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Human Sciences. Mrs Motlanthe is also a former Unisa Student Representative Council member.

In her opening remarks Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa said: “As an academic institution that always strives for excellence, we take pride in training people who will go out to shape Africa’s intellectual futures in the service of humanity. Your achievements only enhance what you already are and what you can become. As such, your graduation is but one important leap, a giant leap indeed. A brighter future awaits you all!”