Excitement, ululation and whistle blowing; these are the words that describe the feeling expressed by the graduates and parents during the Faculty of Management Sciences graduation ceremony which took place at 9am today (Tuesday April 16, 2013) at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, DUT Steve Biko Campus.
The students were officially awarded their national diplomas and degree certificates during the ceremony which was officially opened by DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ahmed Bawa. Addressing graduates and parents, Prof Bawa congratulated students on the completion of their studies. “I congratulate you on your achievement. It is now your responsibility to go out there and make a difference in the country. Make sure you participate in the growth of our economy and defend our democracy if our constitution is under threat,” he said.
Pro Bawa also paid tribute to the parents and those who supported the graduates on their journey. Founder and managing director of ICT Works Xoliswa Kekana, who was the guest speaker at the event, saluted the graduates on their accomplishments, also praising parents for giving graduates a chance to compete in the world.
“Now you have been provided with many opportunities in our democracy. It is now your responsibility to contribute to the growth of our economy and create jobs for others. Don’t be afraid to take risks, don’t be afraid to fail. Failures in my life have made me learn and discover who I am. When you do not fail that means you are not trying. There is a song that says ‘uzoyithola kanjani uhlel’ ekhoneni’, meaning ‘how will you make it while sitting in a corner’,” she said.
Kekena said graduates must remember that patience and tenacity pay off in the end, adding that it was not a mistake to be born into a family, community and country in which they were born. “You are not your past experiences. Embark on your path of discovery and remember that there are those who sacrificed with their lives so that all us will enjoy opportunities,” she said.
– Nkosinathi Wanda
Pictured: Xoliswa Kekana, founder and managing director of ICT Works, is captured while delivering a talk during today’s graduation ceremony at the DUT Steve Biko Campus.
