Graduates shine at autumn graduation ceremony

Vanderbijlpark – More than 600 diplomas and degrees were conferred during the autumn graduation ceremonies of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU ). During the graduation ceremonies, which took place at the Quest Conference Estate, a total of six doctoral degrees were also conferred.

In his address the Campus Rector, Prof Piet Prinsloo gave a brief overview of the current profile of the NWU. The following statistics were of note: Within the scope of higher education (which currently encapsulates 23 universities in South Africa) the NWU receives 5.2% of the multi-billion rand budget allocated by the national government to institutions of higher learning – this represents 41% of the total budget of the NWU. In 2009 the Vaal Triangle Campus boasts a healthy student head count of 4 000 registered students.

In 2008 a total of 126 878 diplomas and degrees were conferred in South Africa and of this number, 11 345 were conferred by the NWU – this constitutes 8.9% of the national figure. Taking this into account, the NWU is currently ranked as the third best university in the country when it comes to the annual graduation rate. The Campus Rector further stated that the NWU was ranked in the top five universities as regards teaching-learning, in the top eight position as regards research output and in the top three as regards innovation.

The focus of Prof Prinsloo’s message to the graduates was that change is the order of the day, and that the challenge is to contribute professionally and positively to adversity. He furthermore challenged the graduates to be agents of change and regeneration. “Being a graduate heightens your personal value,” urged the Rector, whilst adding that the true test of a graduate’s academic value is in his/her place of work. “Be alert and attentive, and in your striving towards success, make sure that you impact positively on your immediate society”.

Mrs EM Bartie was one of the graduates upon whom a qualification was conferred at the autumn graduation ceremony. She received the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. The Campus Registrar, Ms ME Steyn, awarded the faculty hoods.

The President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Siphiwe Mbatha, received his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree. The Campus Registrar, Ms Elbie Steyn, awarded the faculty hoods.