The University of Limpopo (UL) has seen a significant increase in the output of postgraduate qualifications, with the academic year 2021 setting a new high with 93 doctoral degrees conferred
The university held its Spring Graduation Ceremony virtually on Friday, where 690 graduates received their qualifications, and a significant number of them could not have missed the onsite photo session at the Onkgopotse Tiro Hall.
Among these, 12 are postgraduate certificates, 420 undergraduate, 22 honours, 193 masters, and 43 doctoral degrees. These figures combined with Autumn Graduation bring the total number of graduates for the 2021 academic year to 4 926.
One of the Ph.D. recipients was the well-known MEC for Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure – Namane Dickson Masemola, who graduated with a Doctor of Administration (Public Administration). Dr. Masemola reflected on his journey as a doctoral student and described it as sheer hard work.
“As a leader, I deemed it important to further my studies so I could be a role model to the youth. Education is the beating heart of life,” he said.
His Ph.D. thesis explored “The Impact of Leadership on Socio-Economic Development of Municipalities: A Comparison of Ward 10 Villages and Seshego Township within Polokwane Local Municipality”.
Dr. Masemola stated that he wanted to understand why local municipalities faced ongoing challenges, and he hopes that the study will contribute to ethical, sound leadership and improved service delivery.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Richard Madadzhe, said the graduates confronted many challenges along the academic journey, especially in their final lap of studies, but he was especially proud of them for persevering.
“The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic did not make it easy for you. We admire your tenacity and work ethic. Come rain or sunshine, you marched on as you had a dream to fulfil,” he said.
He stated that the university devised a multimodal teaching plan to ensure that students received a quality education while also being protected from the pandemic. Prof Madadzhe further paid homage to students with disabilities for adapting to challenging circumstances as teaching and learning processes were altered.
Equally grateful were the Mojapelo siblings – Reggie and Mokgadi – who obtained Bachelor of Laws and Masters in English Studies respectively.
“The feeling is overwhelming. Studying on its own is not easy but when the terrains of studying changed and we had to move to digital. We were not readily prepared and there were some technical glitches, but we managed,” said Reggie.
Mokgadi added that they are fortunate to have a single mother who is a self-employed hairdresser. She stated that her mother’s courage and love of education inspired them to achieve greatness as she sent them to the best school she could afford with the little money she earned from her business.
Among others, Thobela FM’s Senior Producer: Continuity, Roseta Sebapu, received a Master of Arts degree.
When congratulating the graduates, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, Prof Jesika Singh reminded the graduates that the occasion marked the beginning of their careers. She said that some would be looking for jobs while others may choose to pursue business or further their studies. She stated that these factors add to a lot of financial, family, and social responsibilities lying ahead.
“So, here is my advice for you – live simple and debt free. Enjoy the career ahead of you and work with dedication and passion. The best things in life are free: fresh air, smiles, and laughter. Enjoy this as much as you can,” she said.
By Moses Moreroa