Graduation day at NMU George campus

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GEORGE NEWS - For 372 students of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Friday 5 April was a memorable day, the day of their graduation.

Successful students were capped in two sessions at the George Campus graduation ceremony.

Two doctoral degrees in nature conservation were awarded - to Werner Conradie from Port Elizabeth and Noxolo Ndlovu from Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal.

Conradie focused his study on the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in south-eastern Angola, one of the most poorly known regions in Africa.

Through his project, eight new species were described and more than 2 150 records were documented, including 15 species that have never been recorded in Angola.

His study found that there is heightened endemism (species occurring exclusively in an area), mainly around the headwaters of the Okavango River basin.

According to his supervisors, Conradie's thesis contributed much to the knowledge of this neglected region and has highlighted the need for better conservation.

PHOTO GALLERY: 372 students capped at NMU George Campus graduation

For Werner Conradie's family it was an emotional moment when he was capped for his PhD in nature conservation. His wife, Christa, and parents, Annalene Swanepoel and Ico Conradie, were there to share in this highlight in his career.

For her thesis, Ndlovu investigated the potential risk that pesticide use in the South African forestry industry poses to human health, non-targeted soil and aquatic organisms.

She found that apart from two pesticides, all other pesticides that were applied, according to product label recommendations and standard operating procedures, pose a low risk.

Her work will help ensure that the forestry industry protects environmental values and communities impacted by forestry operations.

Noxolo Ndlovu and her mom, Weziwe Mthembu, who came all the way from Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal to witness her daughter's proud moment.

George Campus communications manager Milisa Piko said more than 200 graduates from the Engineering, Built Environment and Technology (EBET) and Science faculties were capped.

"These include 24 students from the first cohort of students in the new Bachelor of Honours in Natural Resource Management qualification introduced in 2023. Eight of these 24 obtained a first-class pass."

From the Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 170 students graduated. They were capped during the afternoon session.

Officiating at both sessions, NMU Chancellor Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi told the students they were being released into a "South Africa with boundless possibilities, yet one beset with so many challenges".

However, the university has equipped them with the knowledge and experience to successfully navigate the challenges that they will face.

"The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation building and reconciliation.

"Your education is your passport to the future and the future hopes of our country and continent."

The George sessions will be followed by 16 more sessions in Gqeberha from 12 to 21 April.

A wonderful day for Avekile Cishe (left, from Willowvale Eastern Cape) and Thembinkosi Zulu (from Elukwathini, Mpumalanga). Each obtained a BSc honours in natural resource management.

Sharing their joy for obtaining the forestry diploma, from left: Simphiwe Nkosi (Mpumalanga), Siphiwe Shange (KwaZulu-Natal), Noxolo Ngcobo (KwaZulu-Natal) and Vusumuzi Nene (Mpumalanga).