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Cultivating a vision culture
Unisa’s Midlands Region hosted its spring graduation ceremony on 8 October 2024 at the Performing Arts Council of the Orange Free State (PACOFS) in Bloemfontein. Approximately 410 qualifications were conferred during the ceremony.
Middle: Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, acting on behalf of the VC), middle right: Dr Daniel Mosia (Chairperson of Council), middle left: Mathews Kokong (Midlands Regional Director), with representatives from Unisa management, the Midlands Region, and various colleges and departments.
Presenting the Chancellor’s address titled Cultivating a Vision Culture, Prof Melusi Khumalo, from the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), stated that celebrating graduations emanates from students having a vision of what they want to be and what they want to achieve when they start their journey at the University of South Africa. Khumalo stated that a vision is the ability to conceptualise and imagine a future state, a goal or an outcome. "Unisa has existed for 151 years to date because of visionary leadership at the university that we are part of," he said.
Khumalo said that vision
- generates hope in the midst of despair, sets one free from limitations, and makes the unseen visible and the unknown possible
- gives direction and unlocks potential that may not be immediately perceived
- stirs up a passion, attracts opportunities
- keeps individuals disciplined in what they want to achieve
- makes people realise the goals that are apart from the environment in which one grew up
Khumalo alluded to the fact that different environments and backgrounds had nothing to do with the vision individuals have. "Great opportunities are available as they have always been for those with great vision but persons without a vision become slaves to their conditions," he said. "Challenges may test the strength of a vision, but it will not extinguish that vision; they were never meant to extinguish the vision, but to challenge the strength thereof."
In closing, Khumalo stated that the university has confidence that graduates will articulate a vision that is going to make the country, politics and work environment better.
Comments from graduates
Dr Martin Lerata from Bloemfontein in the Free State completed his Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) with a thesis titled Innovativeness and Management Models in Implementing and Managing Digital Learning in Gauteng universities. Lerata said: "I'm grateful to complete my studies at Unisa. I got support from my supervisor, my family, and through attending workshops." He encouraged individuals to plan, revisit the plan, embark on the journey, work hard and complete their qualifications.
Dr Nameka Celeste Zara from Kimberley in the Northern Cape completed her Doctor of Law (LLD) with a thesis titled The Role and Liability of Internet Service Providers in South Africa: A Critical and Comparative Appraisal. Excitedly, she said that all students pursuing their qualifications should not give up their dreams.
Students who completed their qualifications cum laude, from left: Salomina Jacobs (Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture) and Sonet Bornman (Industrial and Organisational Psychology).
Sonet Bornman from Kroonstad in the Free State completed her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology cum laude. She said: "I am so grateful to complete my qualification. Through the support from my family, I made it, but most importantly I have set goals, managed my time, made sacrifices, and worked so hard to ensure that I achieve my goals." Bornman indicated that she was able to establish networks with graduates of the same qualifications and others.
Dorothea Jacobs from Upington in the Northern Cape obtained her Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture cum laude. She said: "I was amazed and did not believe that I completed my qualification, especially because I struggled during the year. As a mother of two, I ensured that I managed my time and worked hard to make sure that I completed my qualification. Never give up on your dreams, if you want something, go for it, no matter how difficult it is," she concluded.
* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region.
Publish date: 2024-10-24 00:00:00.0
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