The 2020 lockdown not only halted movement, but also crushed the dreams of many first-time graduates across the globe, as large gatherings were prohibited. The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) aimed to rectify that by hosting a special graduation ceremony for 2020 and 2021 students to have their chance to wear the graduation regalia and “walk the stage” on May 5.

263 graduates attended to fulfil their dreams in the university’s Great Hall. Some of them have pursued further qualifications, but for all, this was a day to remember.

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Varsity best friends, Daphne Mbuyane and Zandie Mathebula, were elated to celebrate their degrees in social development studies.

“We started our studies in 2017 and finished in 2019. We were due to graduate in May 2020, but the lockdown came into effect in March. Luckily, we had not started preparing for the graduation, but it was heartbreaking to just see our names in a slide show presented on YouTube in place of a real graduation,” Mbuyane said.

Mathebula said first-time graduations are special because they are proof of the resilience students put into their qualifications to make a name for themselves.

“To wear the regalia for something you have worked hard for is what makes it special. We appreciate the institution for organising this special day for us,” she said.

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UMP vice chancellor Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa said this event sought to celebrate the start of the students’ tertiary education journeys.

“This is now a memory that will last forever, that they can photograph and frame. We celebrated the path they have walked and reflected on the milestones they have achieved since, as some have become parents, spouses and pursued further qualifications,” Meyiwa said.