TUT Vikings Captain William Thompson, graduated Cum Laude with the National Diploma in Building Science.
Tsakani Twalo, a National Diploma: Office Management Technology graduate was the last and 10 667th newest Alumna to seal the past two months of excitement when she crossed the stage at the final autumn graduation ceremony in Polokwane on 10 May.
Graduation ceremonies are often a mixture of emotions, such as the excitement of accomplishment, coupled with the memories of sacrifices made to succeed.
One of the highlights was the graduation of Percy Mashitisha, popularly known on twitter as @Perzarho. Many South Africans watched in anticipation on social media after he posted on his twitter that no one of his family would be able to attend due to lack of funds. In true South African spirit, generous strangers sponsored all his costs, which included settling the R32 000 outstanding tuition fees for his B-Tech Management degree, hotel accommodation for his family and transport, just to mention a few. Percy lived up to TUT’s entrepreneur’s credo: “I will always strive to be outstanding rather than mediocre. I have learned to be resourceful and creative”.
The crowd also cheered TUT sport sensation and Vikings captain, William Thompson, who received a National Diploma in Building Science Cum Laude. The elated captain said: “I am happy and proud to have a qualification behind my name. This certificate bears testimony to all the effort I have put into studying, attending class and working.”
It was a two-fold celebration when identical twins, Regan and Ricardo Motloutsi, received their National Diplomas in Metallurgy. In a joint statement, the pair wrote: “We already completed our final semester studies in 2016, but struggled for some time to get an opportunity to do our experiential learning. Our patience paid off when AECI Mining Solutions offered us both experiential learning opportunities in 2017.”
For Banele Mogezi, who received his twin brother Mongezi’s National Diploma: General Administrative Management qualification posthumously, it was an emotional moment. This followed his brother’s untimely passing late last year.
Percy Mashitisha aka @Perzarho with his mother during his graduation that attracted South Africans on Social Media.
Family and friends of Nomvuyo Ndaba (res RC), whom her peers affectionately knew as Moncherie, a National Diploma: Logistics graduate suffered a similar fate following her sudden passing after graduating. A distraught third year Logistics student, Portia Ncongwane, described her as a vibrant person who could start a conversation with anyone. Her memorial service took place on 9 May, at Minjonet Ladies residence, Pretoria Campus.
Despite these challenges, the graduation season was characterised by an assortment of sterling achievements, including seven Chancellor’s Medal recipients and multiple Masters and Doctoral degrees. Graduates also rose to the occasion with unique outfits, ranging from designer labels to traditional clothes.
A significant number of TUT staff members also made their mark by crossing the stage to receive qualifications!
As the cherry on top, the TUT choirs from different campuses entertained guests with outstanding music and dance. Outside the venues, groups of student organisations cheered their peers with songs of jubilation! Several celebrities were also spotted accompanying graduates, including popular musician, Amanda Black, with her beautiful striking blue lengthy braids!
To witness the events in pictures and videos, please visit our TUT Official and TUT Alumni Facebook and Twitter sites or search with #MamaImadeIt #IamAgraduate #TUTAlumni #15YearsOfExcellence.