Over 60 000 Graduates From UNISA’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony. The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a pillar of higher education in South Africa, offering accessible learning opportunities to thousands of students across the country. Each year, UNISA’s graduation ceremonies represent a major milestone for both the institution and its students.
The culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and academic achievement, these ceremonies are not just about receiving a qualification—they are a celebration of personal growth and the future potential of the graduates. For the 2024 graduation season, UNISA celebrated an impressive 58,091 qualifications being conferred, marking a significant achievement in the university’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence.
Graduation Ceremonies at UNISA
UNISA’s graduation ceremonies occur twice a year, with the main events taking place during the autumn and spring seasons. These ceremonies provide graduates with the opportunity to formally receive their hard-earned degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
In 2024, a total of 90 graduation ceremonies were held during the autumn season, and 49 ceremonies took place in spring. This total of 139 ceremonies is a reflection of the sheer scale of UNISA’s operations and the number of students it serves.
Graduates were awarded a range of qualifications, from undergraduate degrees to advanced postgraduate qualifications. These included:
- PhDs
- Master’s Degrees
- Honours Degrees
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Diplomas
- Higher Certificates
In addition to academic awards, UNISA conferred 13 honorary doctorates, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields or to society at large. These honorary doctorates represent the university’s commitment to acknowledging excellence in various spheres of life.
Venues and Regional Graduations
While the main graduation ceremonies are held at UNISA’s Pretoria campus, the university also hosts regional graduations across South Africa. These regional ceremonies are designed to make the graduation experience more accessible to graduates who may not be able to travel to the capital for the central event. The regional graduation venues in 2024 included locations in:
- Mbombela
- Polokwane
- Bloemfontein
- East London
- Cape Town
- Durban
This decentralization of graduation ceremonies ensures that a larger number of students can participate in the event, fostering a sense of inclusivity and pride among the university’s diverse student body.
Magnitude of Organizing a Graduation Ceremony
Planning and organizing graduation ceremonies is no small feat. It involves a meticulous process, with numerous tasks to be carried out before, during, and after each event. The success of these ceremonies can be attributed to the hard work and coordination of various departments and staff at UNISA. The Graduations Division plays a central role in managing the logistics of these events.
Here are some of the critical tasks that go into organizing each ceremony:
1. Informing Graduates
Each successful candidate must be informed about their graduation. This involves verifying the eligibility of all potential graduates and ensuring that they meet the necessary academic requirements. Communication with graduates is done through emails, official notices, and student portals to ensure that they are aware of the upcoming ceremonies.
2. Venue Arrangements
Whether at the main campus in Pretoria or one of the regional venues, each graduation ceremony requires a carefully prepared venue. The venues must be large enough to accommodate the graduates, their families, academic staff, dignitaries, and other guests. From seating arrangements to audiovisual equipment, every detail must be considered to provide a seamless experience for all attendees.
3. Ceremony Programme Booklets
Each graduation ceremony requires a programme booklet that outlines the order of events. These booklets must be printed and distributed to attendees to guide them through the ceremony. The production and printing of these booklets are done well in advance of the event.
4. Processions and Gowns
Graduation ceremonies traditionally feature processions in which academic staff, management, and graduates march into the venue. Coordinating the procession is a complex task, involving the allocation of gowns for each participant and ensuring that the correct academic regalia is worn. This attention to detail enhances the formal atmosphere of the event and maintains the ceremony’s integrity.
5. Securing Key Personnel
Each graduation ceremony requires the presence of numerous academics, senior management, and council members to officiate. Invitations are extended to dignitaries, and staff members are assigned specific roles to ensure the smooth flow of the ceremony. This may include delivering speeches, presenting awards, or overseeing proceedings.
6. Guest Management
Graduation ceremonies are attended by graduates’ families, friends, and other invited guests. Managing guest lists, seating arrangements, and ensuring that all guests are welcomed and treated with respect is another crucial part of the organization. Special care is taken to accommodate VIP guests, such as honorary doctorate recipients or distinguished academics.
7. Graduation Protocol
Every graduation ceremony at UNISA follows a set of strict protocols. These include the correct use of the University Mace, which is a symbol of academic authority. Staff members are trained to ensure that all university traditions are upheld during the ceremonies.
8. Stage Decorations
The venue is also tastefully decorated to create a celebratory atmosphere. The decoration includes stage setups, banners, and the overall aesthetic of the ceremony, ensuring that the event is visually appealing and memorable.
Role of the Graduations Division
Behind the scenes, the Graduations Division at UNISA is the driving force behind these successful ceremonies. This dedicated team of staff members works tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of the graduation process. From managing logistics to ensuring that each event runs smoothly, the Graduations Division plays a vital role in ensuring that UNISA’s graduation ceremonies are memorable for all involved.
Staff members often travel across the country in advance of the ceremonies to ensure that everything is set up properly. Their hard work and commitment help make UNISA’s graduation events one of the most anticipated events in the academic calendar.
Live Streaming and Digital Coverage
In addition to the physical ceremony, UNISA also recognizes the importance of reaching a wider audience. As part of its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, all graduation ceremonies are streamed live on YouTube and covered across the university’s digital platforms. This allows friends and family members who cannot attend in person to witness the ceremony and celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.
Furthermore, after the ceremony, graduates can collect their certificates immediately as they exit the hall. This efficient process ensures that students do not have to wait long for their qualifications. For those who are unable to attend in person, the university facilitates the collection of certificates at a later date. In 2024, over 10,000 certificates were collected by students who could not attend their respective graduation ceremonies.
Conclusion
The graduation ceremonies at UNISA are a significant occasion for both the university and its students. With a total of 58,091 qualifications conferred in 2024, this year’s ceremonies were a testament to the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of UNISA graduates. The meticulous planning and effort put into these events reflect the university’s commitment to providing a memorable experience for every graduate, their families, and all those involved.
