“A university degree is an investment that keeps on giving. Whether it be its value in increasing employability and earnings in the job market, improving personal wealth outcomes, or building social capital in communities, a university degree benefits its graduates and opens the door to endless opportunities.”

With these words, Prof Linda du Plessis – acting campus rector of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark, welcomed graduates and their guests to the Autumn Graduation Ceremony.

The four-day graduation ceremony, consisting of nine sessions, is taking place at the Quest Conference Estate in Vanderbijlpark, where the success and achievement of graduates in the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology are celebrated.

Day three of graduation week sow graduates from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology take to the stage, and a total of 431 degrees were conferred. During the first session of the day saw the following degrees being conferred:

• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, Risk and Investment Management,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Informatics,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and International Trade,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship and Business Management,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Law,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Sport and Recreational Management,
• Diploma in Sport Science.

The award for Excellent Academic Achievement was awarded to Jan Melchior Pieterse.

The second session of the day saw the following degrees being conferred:

• Bachelor of Science In Quantitative Risk Management,
• Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics,
• Bachelor of Science in Data Mining,
• Bachelor of Science in Computer- and Mathematical Sciences,
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology,
• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Risk Management.

The award for Excellent Academic Achievement was awarded to Regard De Villiers Du Toit.

The final session of the day belonged to the School of Accounting Sciences and a total of 169 graduates received their Bachelor of Commerce degrees in Chartered Accountancy, Financial Accountancy, Management Accountancy and Accounting.

The award for Excellent Academic Achievement was awarded to Noluthando Mtshali.

In her closing remarks Prof Du Plessis said that the unemployment rate amongst graduates of the NWU is less than 8% and that a qualification from the university ensures that graduates enjoy a strong advantage when starting their respective careers. “As graduates you add value to your immediate communities as role models, mentors and ambassadors of your alma mater.”