In a message that blended pride with a call to action, Dr Pandor congratulated graduates while urging them to embrace their responsibility towards ethical leadership in a complex and rapidly changing world.
“Today is a moment of immense pride. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience and unwavering dedication,” she said.
Addressing graduates from the Faculty of Humanities during the morning ceremony and Faculty of Science in the afternoon, Dr Pandor reminded them that their achievements were not theirs alone, acknowledging the vital role played by families, mentors, lecturers and other support networks.
“Graduation is never an individual achievement. Behind every student sits a network of supporters – parents, guardians, families, mentors, lecturers, friends who have offered encouragement, strength and understanding. To all of you, thank you for walking this path with our graduates,” she said.
The Gqeberha ceremonies form part of the University’s overall autumn graduation season, during which 6 963 students will graduate across 21 ceremonies. This includes 55 doctoral and 263 master’s degrees, reflecting the institution’s continued contribution to advanced scholarship and research.
A total of 6 364 students are expected to graduate at the Gqeberha campuses, following the conclusion of the George Campus ceremonies last week, where 599 students graduated.
Today (Friday, 10 April), the University will also award honorary doctorates to two distinguished individuals whose life’s work has tremendously contributed to the improvement of society.
Retired judge and legal pioneer, Justice Cecil Mpho Somyalo, will be awarded a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) in recognition of his work in shaping the country’s administration of justice and his steadfast commitment to its ideals.
Poet and public intellectual, Professor Gabeba Baderoon, will be conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature for her work that continues to enrich literary culture, advance critical scholarship and inspire readers and students around the world.
Positioning graduates within a global context, Dr Pandor spoke of the urgent need for a new generation of leadership capable of responding to challenges such as rapid technological shifts, climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. “The challenges of our era … require a new kind of leadership,” she said. “But they also create unprecedented opportunities for innovation, connection and positive transformation – and all of this will be done by you, the leaders of the future.”
Highlighting the role of the graduates, she emphasised their responsibility to help society interpret and navigate complexity, as well as contributing to creating the requisite solutions. “You can help us understand the world. You are digital natives, global thinkers and socially conscious citizens and problem solvers,” she said.
Dr Pandor also reflected on the broader purpose of a Nelson Mandela University education, highlighting how it extends beyond academic achievement.
“At this university, we are about more than passing modules or earning credits. We are about learning to think critically and independently; questioning assumptions and seeking truth; embracing diversity and understanding other perspectives; and developing resilience, creativity and adaptability,” she said.
She urged graduates to carry these attributes forward as they enter the next phase of their lives, whether in research, entrepreneurship, public service, industry or community engagement.
“Every generation is called to rise up to its moment – and this is yours,” she said. “We must strive to be builders of ethical leadership, champions of justice, equality and dignity, and citizens who uplift communities and strengthen democracy.”
This autumn graduation season marks a significant moment in the University’s calendar, symbolising both the culmination of students’ academic journeys and a new chapter in its ceremonial leadership under Dr Pandor.