Autumn graduation: ‘You have met your standard’

A five-day celebration of grit and triumph culminated in the capping of 6 185 graduates from the University of Cape Town’s six faculties, including doctoral candidates.

Welcoming the students to the vibrant UCT alumni network, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela reflected on the importance of the moment: “The ceremonies in the Sarah Baartman Hall will recognise not only individual accomplishment, but also the shared effort that sustains a university community.”

This season’s ceremonies saw former UCT Chancellor Graça Machel capping her granddaughter and namesake, Zizile-Graca Machel Mucave, during the Humanities graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 1 April. During the same ceremony, UCT honoured distinguished musician and cultural leader, George Werner with a Doctor of Music (honoris causa) for his exceptional contribution to South African jazz. A day earlier, humanitarian Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was honoured with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa).

Professor Moshabela said the two men “demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose and to serve society with integrity”. “We affirm that humanitarian leadership and cultural stewardship are central to building a just, creative and humane society. We also send a message to our students and graduates that excellence must be matched by service, and talent must be guided by values.”

Across the ceremonies, emotions and celebrations filled the hall. Mothers applauded, fathers celebrated, graduates danced one after the other as their names were called, and standing ovations were observed. At the same time, proud educators and friends shared in the delight of the students who walked the stage.

 Addressing the packed hall, Moshabela thanked those who have supported the students’ journeys. “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this milestone, which our graduates have achieved. Thank you to faculty staff who have put in work over the years, as we reach this momentous occasion,” he said, adding that the support offered by families over the years would be needed once again as graduates take on new challenges.

“I stand here to acknowledge the growth that you have experienced over time. We set the bar high at UCT, and I’m sure you will appreciate this as you take on new challenges in life. As you know, one of the things we take pride in at UCT is excellence. So, whenever you were given a hard time, it was never intended to stand in the way of you getting your qualification. It was simply because we wanted you to meet a standard of excellence. Now here you are.”

Moshabela continued: “You were measured, and you have conquered. I wish you the very best in whatever path you take. The one thing I am confident about is that you will succeed in what you do going forward. I speak to many alumni of UCT, and if there’s any indication of what the future looks like, draw on the experiences of those who came before you. Their paths suggest that you are going to succeed. Fear not, pursue your passion, trust yourself and your journey and hold onto the values of excellence, kindness, compassion and humility.”

Represent yourself

He added: “You will always be an ambassador of the university. We are going to follow your stories. We want to be able to tell your stories and celebrate your successes. Most of all, we want you to represent yourself well in the world.”

As is customary, in one of her words of affirmation, praise poet Neliswa Sampi exalted graduates, shone a spotlight on their achievements and thanked family and university staff for this important milestone.