The countdown to the 2026 graduation season has officially begun. From 21 to 23 April 2026, the University’s Seme Hall will transform into a hub of celebration as more than 3 000 students prepare to cross the stage and receive their hard-earned qualifications. The students began collecting their graduation tickets as early as 14 April 2025. For many, this ceremony represents the culmination of years of sacrifice and persistence. Some of these students will be the first ones in their families to graduate from a university.
Among those preparing for the milestone is Thabani Dlamini, who travelled from Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal to finalise his preparations. Dlamini, who will receive his Diploma in Marketing, reflected on the hurdles he faced during his studies. “It was not easy; there were lots of obstacles,” Dlamini shared. “Fortunately, I was able to overcome them.” Dlamini is the first in his family to graduate from a university.
Joining the ranks of first-time graduates is Nompumelelo Khumalo, who expressed her excitement about receiving her Diploma in Office Management and Technology. Similarly, Mpilenhle Ximba is ready to celebrate a further academic achievement as she prepares to graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Marketing.
To ensure the ceremony maintains its prestige and tradition, the University has set up dedicated stations for essential services. Students have been seen engaging with the official vendors on campus to finalise their look and logistics for the day. The official service providers are House of Graduates, who will provide the graduation attire, and Mshazi Photographers, who will provide the photography services. The University has issued a strong appeal to all graduands to work exclusively with these official service providers to ensure the quality and authenticity of their attire and commemorative photos.
As the final preparations take place, the campus stands ready to honour the class of 2026 for their academic dedication and success.