.JPG)
The ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at the Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre, will see 395 undergraduate and 168 postgraduate qualifications awarded across a wide range of disciplines – each representing years of dedication and personal triumph.
This season’s graduation features inspiring journeys of determination, lifelong learning and service, ranging from an executive mayor completing a doctoral degree, to a graduand who simultaneously completed a PhD and a medical degree, to an octogenarian pharmacist receiving a master’s degree, more than four decades after beginning the journey.
Executive Mayor earns Doctorate in Public Administration
Mbashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Samkelo Janda, will be awarded a Doctorate in Public Administration and Management. Janda, who grew up in Ngqamakhwe and began his career as a teacher before entering local government, described the moment as “filled with pride and mixed emotions”, reflecting on the passing of his mother and early school principal, both instrumental in shaping his path.
His doctoral research explored oversight and accountability in local municipalities, drawing on the Principal-Agent Theory to understand the responsibilities of elected officials in strengthening governance.
A ‘double doctor’: PhD and MBChB completed concurrently
Another standout graduand is Arumadri Bako, who will cross the stage having completed both an MBChB and a PhD in Conflict Management — a combination seldom achieved concurrently.
Originally from Uganda’s Madi-Okollo District, Bako’s academic path spans several countries and disciplines, driven by her commitment to human wellbeing.
“Medicine equips me to care for individuals, while conflict management helps me address systemic issues affecting communities, including those within security institutions,” she says.
Her doctoral study examined the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and women’s leadership in Ugandan security institutions, co-supervised by Mandela University’s Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast and North West University’s Professor Victor Ojakorotu.
Lifelong learning at 81: Pharmacist completes Master’s degree
This year’s graduation also celebrates the remarkable perseverance of 81-year-old Richard Borain, who graduates with a Master’s degree in Pharmacy.
Encouraged by his sons — all of whom pursued professional degrees — Borain decided to pursue his master’s, decades after the university where he initially studied, misplaced his first thesis.
“Medicine is ever-evolving, so if you don’t keep your hand on things, you will quickly be out of the loop,” he says.
Borain plans to pursue a PhD.
A celebration of perseverance and purpose
Graduation marks a celebration of perseverance and purpose, and Mandela University extends warm congratulations to all graduates and their families and looks forward to welcoming them into the global Mandela University alumni community.