Rhodes University exclusive graduation ceremony for Masters and Doctoral graduates

For the second time in over 100 years of its existence, Rhodes University hosted an exclusive graduation ceremony for Masters and Doctoral graduates. The virtual graduation was the fourth since lockdown measures were implemented, of the 216 degrees conferred, slightly over half (52%) were female graduates, and a quarter (25%) were international students.

In this graduation, Rhodes University bestowed honorary doctorates to the legendary former SABC News Anchor, Ms Noxolo Grootboom and renowned infectious diseases epidemiologist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim. Ms Grootboom received the degree of Doctor of Letters (D Litt) (honoris causa), while Prof Abdool Karim received a degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) (honoris causa).

Ms Grootboom and Prof Abdool Karim are the seventh and eighth honorary doctorate recipients awarded by Rhodes University in its virtual graduation ceremonies for 2021.

Caption: Ms Noxolo Grootboom

Of the 216 degrees conferred, slightly over half (52%) were female graduates, and a quarter (25%) were international students.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela said: “The global COVID-19 pandemic has sadly robbed us of an opportunity to celebrate our students’ fine achievements with them in the conventional way we’ve always done in the past. This, however, does not in any way diminish the value and the significance of the important milestone in their academic pursuits. Our nation looks to the graduates of this great university to assure us that things will be fine again. My hope is that they place their knowledge, special skills and talents at the service of our society and humanity as we rebuild our devastated lives, destroyed economies and shattered dreams and hopes. On behalf of our Chancellor, the University Council, our Board of Governors and the entire Rhodes University community, I offer our warmest and proud congratulations to each of our graduands on their graduation. Our heartfelt congratulations extend to their family, friends, guardians, and all those whose loving sacrifices, constant encouragement and unstinting support have sustained them throughout their years of postgraduate study at Rhodes University.”

Ms Grootboom and Prof Abdool Karim are the seventh and eighth honorary doctorate recipients awarded by Rhodes University in its virtual graduation ceremonies for 2021.

“We honour, salute and commend Ms Noxolo Grootboom and Prof Salim Abdool Karim for their outstanding contribution and dedicated service to our nation and humanity,” concluded Dr Mabizela.

Source: Rhodes University Communications