A host of problem solvers, defenders of the truth, and advocates for justice will graduate from Wits University during the July 2021 graduation season, amidst a global pandemic and social unrest in the country.
Describing this as a moment of hope, Wits vice-chancellor and principal professor Zeblon Vilakazi, said, “We live in a historic moment characterised by uncertainty and change. You are graduating amidst a global pandemic, for which there is not yet a cure. Our young democracy is under threat, and civil unrest is widespread. Our society is plagued by inequality and poverty. Our economy is flailing, and unemployment is rife.”
A total of 6 712 students will graduate this July. Of these, 169 are PhD graduands whose research is said to seek to find the solutions to real-world problems.
Vilikazi said he remains hopeful because of these graduands and knowing that great societies can flourish in times of flux. “We are rapidly adapting to change in our personal, professional, and social spaces. This moment provides us with a moment to pause and to reflect on our political, healthcare, and socio-economic challenges, and to hit the reset button as we reimagine our futures. And you will play a vital role in this process. It will be no easy feat, but we must muster our collective courage and strength to seek hope in despair, knowledge in failure, innovation in disorder, and our common humanity through advancing the public good.”
Reigning Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida also graduate with an honours degree in international relations. She is outspoken on issues related to mental health and gender-based harm in society, amongst others. Also, for the first time, a PhD student, Silvia Delsanto graduates with a joint degree from Wits University and Turin University in Italy, in the field of physics.
“Our graduates give us hope that we will rise and meet new challenges with the same bravery and intellect demonstrated in the past. We will continue to develop excellent graduates who advance society, conduct world-class research and foster innovation, and use our location in Africa to lead from the Global South,” concluded Vilakazi.
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