Spring graduation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will see a 26-year-old PhD student and a 69-year-old Bachelor of Law student among the 1500 graduates who will receive their degrees today, Wednesday September 18, and tomorrow, Thursday September 19.
Mikyle David, 26, is the youngest PhD postgraduate who will be conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) degree.
Meanwhile, the oldest undergraduate is Deborah Masipa, 69, who will receive her Bachelor of Law degree.
In contrast, the youngest undergraduate, Anele Mazibuko, 21, will receive a Bachelor of Arts (Cultural and Heritage Tourism) from the College of Humanities.
Acting executive director of the corporate relations division, Normah Zondo, said over the two days, the students will take to the stage and, ‘in true UKZN tradition’ claim their rightful place among the extensive UKZN alumni community.
“In keeping with previous ceremonies, 61.80% of our graduates are women. There will be 793 undergraduate and 707 postgraduate degrees awarded during the Spring Graduation Ceremonies. There are 379 masters and 197 doctoral graduates,” said Ms Zondo.
The university management are incredibly proud of the 21 cum laude graduates who have completed their studies with distinction. Notably, over 52.38% of the total academic top achievers are women, said Ms Zondo.
The university will also celebrate the achievements of 20 graduates with disabilities. The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science will confer 350 degrees, 584 in the College of Humanities, 358 in the College of Law and Management Studies, and 208 in the College of Health Sciences.
“The graduation ceremonies present an excellent opportunity for the graduates to celebrate their achievements and share this moment with their families and friends. Parents and graduates dressed in their finery are expected to descend on the university’s Sports Centre at the Westville Campus to celebrate this momentous occasion in the lives of our students,” said Ms Zondo.
