Autumn season is a celebration time on CUT's calendar, as graduates reap the fruits of their hard labour. “When you go out of here, you must remember that as a South African graduate, you are faced with challenges of economic growth and unemployment.  There is 3.8 million youth that is not at school, unemployed and not in training.” said Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal during the ceremony held yesterday at Bloemfontein Campus. 

“That youth is relying on people like you to make a difference in their lives. South Africa is in dire need of innovators and entrepreneurs, you are the right candidate and well equipped with such, so, go out there and make a legacy for yourself! Go out there and create employment for that youth! Go out there and make sure that you add value in growing the country’s economy”! he concluded. The ceremonies started at Welkom Campus on 07 March, with a two session ceremony for all three Faculties namely, Engineering and Information Technology, Management Sciences and Humanities. A total of five hundred and seventy seven certificates, diplomas and degrees were awarded including three Doctorates and four Masters Degrees.  The Magister Technologiae Degrees were awarded to James Leshody  Koalepe (cum Laude), Godfrey Teboho Lebona, Bettie Masese Mokhatle and Celia Moretlo Tlale. The Philosophiae Doctor degrees were awarded to Mokoakoa Edward Khati, Florence Mantwa Mphatsoe and Jacob Letlhoyo Segalo. By Friday, a total of 2 313 students will have graduated in Bloemfontein campus which makes it to a grand total of 2890 graduates in the 2014 Autumn ceremonies.