When graduates apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges, the results can be transformational, according to Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of North-West University (NWU).
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” he said, using the inspiring words of former President Nelson Mandela to address graduates attending the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ graduation ceremony at the Mahikeng Campus on 28 April.
Prof. Tyobeka framed education as both a right and a responsibility, linking it to national development and global transformation. Drawing on the words of former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan and Nelson Mandela, he emphasised the importance of governance, economic participation and investment in human capital.
“You are positioned not only to participate in the economy, but to shape it,” he said, urging the graduates to take their place in society as ethical leaders and globally conscious citizens who act with integrity and respect diversity.
Freedom comes with rights
Prof. Tyobeka positioned the moment within a broader national context, noting the recent observance of Freedom Day and the upcoming Workers’ Day. He said the two are interconnected, with freedom granting rights and work giving those rights meaning.
“Graduates, you now carry both,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey, Prof. Tyobeka reminded graduates that he had once sat in the same room, the Great Hall, as a student and student leader, reinforcing the significance of perseverance and discipline in achieving academic success.
He highlighted the rapidly changing global environment, where technological advancement and shifting labour markets demand more than academic knowledge. According to him, graduates must demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking and innovation to remain relevant.
“As graduates of this institution, we have prepared you accordingly and that balance now rests with you,” he said.
Producing influential leaders
The vice-chancellor also underscored the role of the Mahikeng Campus in producing influential leaders across sectors, citing alumni who have excelled in law, public service and academia. He said the university continues to cultivate excellence, with graduates now joining a lineage of individuals shaping society at national and global levels.
He described graduates in economic and management sciences as uniquely positioned to understand and influence systems, organisations and markets.
“You are positioned not only to participate in the economy, but to shape it.”
He also acknowledged the role of families, staff and communities in supporting students, describing their contribution as a collective investment in the graduates’ success.
“To our graduates: you are the product of that collective investment. You now carry forward the values, the discipline and the responsibility entrusted to you.”
Prof. Tyobeka concluded by calling on graduates to use their education to make a meaningful impact in society, reinforcing the university’s expectation that they contribute to economic development and social progress.
In front is Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, followed by Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor.
