THOHOYNADOU - The Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Mr Sydney Mufamadi, and the CEO of the Independent Electoral Commission, Adv Pancy Tlakula, jointly urged all South Africans to join hands in the war against illiteracy, poverty and unemployment, during the graduation ceremony of the University of Venda for Science and Technology (Univen) at the weekend.

A total of 846 graduates received their hard-earned certificates, diplomas and degrees. Two sessions took place on Friday, with the final session taking place on Saturday morning.

Mufamadi said the problem of underdevelopment and poverty remains a major problem to all South Africans, but he stressed the fact that universities are a national resource through which the nation can overcome the problem. He also encouraged the graduates to use the knowledge they gained from their studies to battle for the victory of educational development in the society. He highly commended the guardians of the graduates for spending their last cents in the education of their dependents.

“Africa and the world proudly know that your enthusiasm for scholarly endeavour is today being crowned with success. Not only is this a milestone of individual achievement, but also, the nation is entitled to cherish a hope that the whole society stands to profit from your services and learned insights. The nation is proud to have such men and women of accomplishment. Today’s principal chal-lenge is to translate peoples’ power into authority which can be effectively mobilized for the purpose of bringing about a better life for all – hence you have to use your educational skills to overcome this chal-lenge…”

Adv Tlakula said education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world. She said transformation is a painful process, which the graduates should strive to fit into, so that they may be able to meet the challenges of globalization. She advised the graduates to create their own jobs to be able to contribute in the economic development of the world.

“Africa is the knowledge centre for creativity and indigenous knowledge systems. It is important to use your indigenous knowledge and the education you acquired, for the advancement of the African renaissance. Although we are still struggling to maintain the academic standards in our country, we believe that you will use your knowledge to help in the improvement of the lives of the ordinary South Africans. The process of learning does not come to an end and I encourage you to study further to gain more knowledge for the benefit of your society…”