Almost 2,000 Nelson Mandela University graduates are set to receive their undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at the institution’s annual summer graduation sessions this week.
These include more than 30 doctoral degrees and an honorary doctorate to be awarded to Dr Judy Dlamini – a medical doctor, MBA, Doctor of Business Leadership, Wits University chancellor and an accomplished entrepreneur.
Dlamini will be receiving the only honorary doctorate during the three-day graduation sessions, which commence on Wednesday.
The sessions will comprise morning and afternoon graduation events taking place at the NMU indoor sports centre on south campus at 9.30am and 2.30pm respectively.
Dlamini, who practised as a medical doctor for several years before pursuing a business career, expressed her gratitude at being conferred her first honorary qualification.
“I am most grateful to Nelson Mandela University, the only university totally led by women,” she said.
“I have never received any honorary recognition, I worked for my doctorate and there is something especially significant to be awarded this honorary doctorate in Nelson Mandela’s centenary year.”
Dlamini’s honorary doctorate award follows those of Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Prof Marina Xaba-Mokoena and judge Mandisa Maya in April, at a ceremony which coincided with the inauguration of NMU’s first black woman vice-chancellor, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, and chancellor Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.
This year’s summer graduation, the fourth since its introduction in 2014, will see a total of 1,965 students receiving their qualifications. Of these, 1,162 graduates (59%) will receive undergraduate diplomas and degrees, while 798 (41%) will receive postgraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees.
Of the postgraduate cohort, 101 graduates (13%) will receive their master’s degrees, while 34 (4%) will be receiving doctorates.
The remainder of the postgraduate students graduating will be qualifying for honours degrees, as well as postgraduate certificates and diplomas.
A group of about 17 students will be the first cohort of graduates in the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics degree programme, which was introduced four years ago.
The four-year programme replaced the previous threeyear diploma programme.
This graduation period will also see the introduction of a number of aspects raised by staff, students and alumni through focus groups and online surveys on how graduation should be transformed and carried out in a way that is more representative of a dynamic African university.
One such suggestion to be implemented is that all graduating students will enter the hall in a procession befitting the milestone occasion.
In line with public safety requirements for all major events, the university has introduced a ticketing system for all graduates and their guests.
This will see graduates receiving four tickets for their guests, with excess guests to view the ceremony via livestream in a neighbouring overflow venue.