After hordes of graduands, their families and revellers flocked to Grahamstown towards the end of last week, Rhodes University graduation weekend has come and gone in the blink of an eye
After hordes of graduands, their families and revellers flocked to Grahamstown towards the end of last week, Rhodes University graduation weekend has come and gone in the blink of an eye
. Campus brimmed with festive visitors and students until Saturday's garden party and Graduation Ball marked the end of many an academic career in Grahamstown.
Since last Thursday graduating students and their guests witnessed the historic installation of a new university Chancellor, Justice Lex Mpati, and the awarding of honourary doctorates to Keiskamma Trust founder Dr Carol Hofmeyer and musician Vusi Mahlasela.
Zaida Ramchandra, a graduate's parent from Pietermaritzburg, expressed gratitude to the university for the well-organised ceremony.
“It truly is a proud moment for a parent to see one's child graduating. The world is an oyster and I believe that my son is ready for it,” she said.
Many parents interviewed raised concerns about the future for their children in a job-scarce country.
Jane Deane from Cape Town feels that the university equips students with the skills they will need when they finally fly the coop of Rhodes, however.
Muki Raja, from Harare, Zimbabwe, agrees. “The institution is fantastic, it has been a good grounding for my son, a worthwhile investment too,” she said.
