There is no better way for a university to conclude the year than by celebrating its students' academic achievements through graduation. Today, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) did just that.

Over 700 joyous students, supported by their proud families, friends and mentors, were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates during two ceremonies. UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius said these ceremonies should remind us of how transformative a university education can be for individuals, families, and even entire communities.

Prof Pretorius marked this occasion as his final graduation ceremonies before retiring, making it even more special by capping his own daughter, Tammy-Lee Williams, who earned her doctorate in philosophy. He said he was grateful that she worked so hard to complete the programme in time to graduate during his last ceremony.

The Pretorius family’s celebration was just one of many heart-warming stories. Among the graduates were twins Ritesh and Rivesh Singh, who received thunderous applause as they were capped with their bachelor of dental surgery degree. The brothers shared how studying together benefited them. “Studying as twins has been wonderful because we could share knowledge,” said Ritesh. “He would focus on one topic, and I on another, then we’d collaborate to deepen our understanding. This approach served us well throughout our studies.”

Their mother, a single parent, who also has other children in university, expressed immense gratitude. “It hasn’t been easy, but we supported each other. I always reminded them to focus on the long-term goal and never give up.”

Another inspiring graduate is Simphiwe Heliso, who received a postgraduate certificate in education. Heliso attributed his success to the strong sense of community at UWC and the unwavering support of his family, including his mother, Phumla, and older brother. “We love and support each other here. My family’s encouragement has been invaluable,” he said.

In his address, Prof Pretorius acknowledged the graduates’ hard work and the sacrifices of their loved ones. “Today’s celebrations honour not only your dedication but also the unwavering support of parents, guardians and loved ones. Their encouragement has been pivotal,” he said. “I salute you and congratulate you on the excellent way you have supported your children.”

As he bid farewell to the University, Prof Pretorius reflected on UWC’s transformative achievements during his tenure. These include expanding UWC’s footprint and modernising its infrastructure, such as the Education Precinct, the Computational and Mathematical Sciences Building, and the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences’ relocation to the Bellville CBD. Other projects include the Greatmore Building in Woodstock and the Innovation Hub in Parow.

“These are not random developments; they reflect a deliberate strategy to reclaim and redefine our place in the city. Apartheid policies placed us here, isolating us from the rest of Cape Town. But we are reclaiming our space. We are anchoring ourselves in Bellville and spreading our presence across the greater Cape Town area.”

Prof Pretorius also highlighted the strengthened ties with international partners, notably, universities like Missouri in the US, Ghent and Vrije University in Belgium, and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “These collaborations have created opportunities for joint PhDs, cutting-edge research and academic exchange”.

Prof Pretorius concluded: “Seeing you succeed academically and graduate today is a source of immense pride for me. I am particularly proud of how we’ve weathered challenges like COVID-19 and energy crises while improving retention and graduation rates.”

Watch:
UWC Summer Graduation 2024 Highlights