Photo 1: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, presides over her first CUT graduation ceremony at Welkom Campus alongside acting Chairperson of Council, Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema (left).

Praises and ululations were the order of the day on 04 May 2023, at the Central University of Technology’s first autumn graduation ceremony, where thousands of families, guardians and friends came to witness a momentous ceremony at the Welkom’s Kingdom Academy Ministries. Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube presided over her first-ever CUT graduations since her appointment this year. 

Of the 3387 CUT graduates to be draped this season, 463 graduated at the Welkom campus, including 12 masters.

In his congratulatory message Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, said that CUT is among the leading Universities of Technology that drive higher education's entrepreneurship and innovation agenda. “Our aspiration remains to equip young people with the skills and knowledge that are a prerequisite for growing their businesses and creating job opportunities for others. Entrepreneurship and innovation are now embedded in our teaching and learning, research, and community engagement programmes, and we have established robust innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.”

 In conclusion, he thanked the parents, friends, and lecturers for their support. “Our gratitude goes to your parents, guardians, spouses, and lecturers for the vital role that they have played in your academic life.”

Photo 2, from left: Marabe Thabiso received his Bachelor of Education degree specialising in Mathematics, Palesa Mafanya received her Bachelor of Education degree, specialising in Computer Sciences, and Thabang Jacobs, and Tefo Masimong both received their Bachelor of Education degree specialising in Mathematics.

Photo 3, from left: Silvia Motingoa proudly flaunting her National Diploma Certificate in Language Practice. She is seen here with her proud mother Mapaseka Motingoa, who could not contain her excitement.

Photo 4: The afternoon session saw the Conferral of Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences (entrepreneurial and small business operations) will be awarded to Ms Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Executive Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese. From left: Dr Sally Dzingwa, Registrar, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the newly conferred Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences (entrepreneurial and small business operations) Dr Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Executive Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese.

Photo 5: Celebratory moment as Welkom Campus graduates chanted the famous traditional congratulatory song ‘Ntate nthekele sanamarena’.

Photo 6: Grade 12 learners from five Lejweleputswa District Municipality High Scools (Wessel Maree High School, Virginia High School, Ventersburg Combined School, Letsete High school, and Khaleng High school) were also in attendance to witness the ceremony and get some motivation to work hard towards their final exams. Learners are flanked by Dr Alfred Modise, Assistant Dean Research and Innovation Engagement (front row - 2^nd from left), Dr Sally Dzingwa, Registrar and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube (middle).