Ready to fly
The 2022 graduation ceremonies will always be remembered for being the first after the pause forced upon the University, and many other organisations, by Covid-19 pandemic. As the University resumed celebrating this milestone in its history, and the lives of its students, what became clear was the brand new graduation attire worn by both the students and the dignitaries. On the opening day, these dignitaries included the Founder of the University, His Royal Highness, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
In his address to the audience, the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Professor Marcus Ramogale, highlighted this new development. To the graduates, he said: “You may have noted that this year, you are the first graduandi to be robed in our new corporate identity. I am sure that it feels good to see that we have thought hard about how your brand matters and should be seen as equal to other universities.”
Professor Ramogale appealed to the graduates to carry the University brand with dignity “and constantly remind yourselves that your national qualification is similar to all other national qualifications”.
He also thanked the efforts of the Covid-19 Task Team that was formed to advise the University on managing the pandemic from the time it hit the University, and the country.
“I wish to acknowledge the work of the Covid-19 Task Team, chaired by Sister Nomusa Mkhwanazi. Without them, we would not have saved lives. Without a lot of work on how we dealt with Covid-19 head-on, we would not be graduating this class today, some of whom were in their second year when Covid-19 started. I wish to acknowledge the contribution made in saving the academic years (2020-2021) and saving lives,” he said.
Professor Ramogale also thanked the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Manyane Makua and his colleagues for adapting to the blended learning and platoon system.