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GRADUATES OF 2016, WE SALUTE YOU By Dana Hyde April has been alive with the celebratory ‘happy tears’ of many, with almost 5000 NMMU students graduating within an array of 335 qualifications. Statistics truly speak for themselves, with approximately 60 doctorates and 330 masters degrees achieved. An abundance of new qualifications also graced the graduation stage, including NMMU’s first MSc in Dietetics, to name but one. “Graduation was a much welcomed and memorable occasion for me. Having done a degree change in my 3rd year of BCom Accounting, and being set back two years, was no easy decision to make. However, I now hold a degree in BCom Law and it was worth the extra time it took.” stated Michael Marais, who is currently completing his two-year LLB degree. “The ceremony [itself] was an auspicious occasion; being surrounded by my friends, family, fellow BCom Law students, and the various Deans and Acting Vice Chancellor. It was a dignified moment and when my turn came to walk across the stage, I was very proud of myself,” continued Marais. Social media has also been alive with many inspiring achievements. Most notably, NMMU celebrated its first blind student, Xolisa Yekani, who graduated with his BA (Honours) in Journalism. This is followed by the ‘four pawed’ achievement of Viking the service dog, who looked very dapper in his graduation
Term 2 | March 2016
cap and gown. He crossed the stage with Heinrich Williams, who achieved his National Diploma in Industrial Engineering. But for many, six and eight semesters worth of sacrifice have been adequately rewarded. “I began my studies at NMMU in 2013, [working] towards a BA Media, Communication and Culture degree as an eager and fresh-faced first year. Looking back, I obviously had no idea what I was about to get myself into, or how much sleep I was about to sacrifice,” said Nosi Nyembezi. “Being the cynic that I am, I figured that receiving a piece of paper couldn’t possibly be as life-changing as others had made it out to be. [However], truth be told, there is no feeling more inspiring than walking across that stage, with your peers and family as witnesses.” “After all of the student activism that has taken place over the past year, I could not help but reflect on how much of a privilege it is to complete my studies. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to experience something that is inaccessible to so many. Graduation was a symbolic day that I will cherish far into the future,” she concluded. So, from all of us at NMMYou - Congratulations, Halala and Knap Gedaan to all graduates! With all future pursuits, may you keep on flying the NMMU flag with pride.
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