Languages: 
Mixed reactions filled the NMD Site Great Hall during the first session of the WSU graduation season on Monday 6 May as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, appealed to students to avoid luxurious purchases when they find employment.
With parents looking on and listening attentively, Prof Songca appealed to the graduates to, once gaining employment, save their money and spend some of it on their parents and families because of their crucial investments and sacrifices in support of the graduates’ academic journey.
“Some of you are going to embark on roads that are smooth as silk offering a drive as comfortable experience, I plead wit you, once you get a job don’t rush to buy a Mercedes Benz. You need to save your money and take care of your parents. Indeed, black tax in our country is a reality and parents want their money back,”exclaimed Songca.
Expressing her sentiments in the context of the country’s 30th year of liberation, the VC delved into the meaning and implications of democracy for the WSU community, asserting that for the institution, it meant pursuing excellence and taking pride in what one does.
Songca sought to encapsulate the aforementioned traits and aspirations by taking a moment to highlight and congratulate student leaders who had earlier on the day graduated in various qualifications.
An unashamed advocate for women’s rights and excellence, the VC was also quick to cast an acute eye on the academic achievements of four of this graduation season’s doctoral degree recipients, who all happened to be women.
“That is what democracy means for us as a university! Women are leading, “said Prof Songca.
She also pointed out the importance of the university’s continued review of its curriculum – a practice aimed at ensuring that the knowledge disseminated by the university is relevant and the skills imparted upon students are up-to-date and will ensure tat students get the best opportunity to succeed.
A total of 5 043 students from the university’s seven newly rationalized and consolidated faculties were capped during the ceremonies, including the four doctoral degrees previously mentioned.
By Thando Cezula
