The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Bismark Tyobeka, has called on graduates to be good ambassadors of the university and to brace up for the new challenges that may likely come their way. This was said during a recent graduation ceremony held at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Talking to a congregation that included graduates in various disciplines, their families and academic staff, Dr Bismark congratulated all graduates with their success and wished them well as they move on to a new chapter in their lives.

Mentioning that 1 435 NWU students had graduated this year, he called on them to use the knowledge and skills acquired from the university to improve themselves and their society and find solutions to world problems. He noted that, based on the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, South Africa was the 60th most competitive nation out of 140 countries. He admonished the graduates to contribute towards South Africa's growth as the country struggles with unemployment.

"You are South Africa's intellectual capital. You must do more to improve this grim picture. You have to find creative solutions to fast-track the growth of the country's economy. Your skills and knowledge can play a significant role in changing lives. I am confident that you acquired the necessary skills to adapt to any challenge in the workplace. Make a difference in the lives of South Africans. Go and fix South Africa," he said.

Dr Bismark encouraged the graduates to make themselves available to the university by participating in the Convocation and to continue to be a beacon of hope to and torchbearers of the university. He also thanked the staff members who contributed to the graduates' success.

Principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Dr Bismark Tyobeka.