Dr Viome Showers says his PhD thesis on the poor attendance of high school students in the Western Cape was tough but he says eventually he got a handle on things. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

The University of the Western Cape’s Jakes Gerwel Hall was a hive of celebration, and some tears, as the University’s Spring Graduation saw years of hard work, patience and perseverance being rewarded.

In total, 752 students graduated over two sessions on Friday, September 12. Of those who graduated, 297 got their undergraduate degrees, 143 got diplomas, 89 got honours degrees, 147 got master’s degrees, 54 got doctorate degrees, and 22 got certificates.

Seated in the hall were graduates and their families who came from across South Africa and the continent to mark the special day, but for many, the day was also poignant - a reminder of the loved ones who could not make it to toast their academic success. 

Viome Showers, who was awarded his PhD from the Department of Statistics and Population Studies for his thesis on poor attendance among secondary school learners in South Africa, was ecstatic. 

“It was a pretty tough journey, especially at the initial stage. I had difficulty in knowing the approach to adopt for my particular study, but over time I was able to get a handle on it, and I was able to employ the appropriate technique for the study,” said Showers.

He said his PhD journey was an exciting experience because he also became involved as a graduate lecturer at the Education faculty.

“I really learnt a lot about how to be an academic and what the skillsets are that are required for impacting knowledge. In the course of the study, I wrote two publications which were also helpful for me, on how scholarly articles are written,” said Showers.

Danielle Hector, who graduated with a Bachelor's in Commerce, said the day meant a lot to her because both her parents were alumni of the University. 

“I started my schooling career at this university, at the creche called Campus Kids. I got my Grade R there and to finish off my school (here) is just amazing,” said Hector.

UWC’s outgoing SRC president Mcntosh Khasembe gave an inspired speech about the sacrifices of the June 16 generation, juxtaposing it with the current generation, himself included.

“They carried no weapons but just an idea. They were shot at, they were arrested, they were tortured. That was their age. Today, children are still fighting with their parents about data bundles and PlayStation,” said Khasembe.

That generation of June 16 paid the price in their blood that was spilt on the streets of Soweto.

“Their struggle gave us democracy, their courage gave us rights, but I would argue that democracy has not yet given us an economy that breathes life into our youth. We are the ‘born-frees’, but the central question we must ask ourselves: 'Are we free?’

“We are the Digital Natives, but the argument that we should pose, and the question that we should ask is: ‘Are we thriving?’,” said Khasembe.

Pointing to South Africa’s stagnant economy and alarming unemployment rate of 32,9%, he challenged graduates to create employment, and recognise that their certificate was not a guarantee of employment but a tool to create jobs. 

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, said the graduation was part of UWC’s ongoing journey from a university created for a restricted constituency, in a marginalised space, to one which has grown into a place defined by access, equity, intellectual freedom and success. 

“Looking ahead, UWC’s vision is clear. By 2035, we aim to be a leading research university, where undergraduate and postgraduate study are firmly linked to a strong research endeavour which makes a difference in people’s lives, because at UWC we believe a university’s true success lies in its contribution to society. Good governance, a commitment to transparency, great intellectual innovations and strong quality assurance strengthen the value of your degree and the global standing of this institution,” said Prof Balfour.

He said 861 graduands across all faculties proved UWC’s commitment to widening access while strengthening the University’s research capacity.
“You leave with a qualification, but also with the values of UWC. I encourage you to remember the academics who challenged you, the support staff who assisted you, and the families and friends who stood by you. Remember too those who could not be here with us today. Above all, remember that education is a shared responsibility.” 

Images: Shelley Christians/UWC