The 2024 graduation ceremony for the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) in South Africa was a momentous occasion, held at Cedarwood Conference Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg. The event celebrated the achievements of graduates who have successfully completed their rigorous engineering programs. These graduates, now equipped with the skills and knowledge to make significant contributions to the engineering field, were honored in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, faculty, and their families.
A Ceremony of Achievement
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, Terry Cousins, EIT’s long-serving and dedicated instructor and Academic Board member.
This was followed Dr. Steve Mackay, the Dean of Engineering at EIT, who, before delivering an inspiring opening address, welcomed and thanked all the special guests for attending the graduation who included among many others David Geyer, the acting High Commissioner for the Australian High Commission, and Dr. Oscar Asumani, Vice President of the SA Institution of Mechanical Engineering.
Dr. Mackay reflected on the challenges faced by the students throughout their academic journey, acknowledging that the path to success in engineering is far from easy. He emphasized the perseverance required to complete EIT’s demanding programs, urging the graduates to take pride in their accomplishments.
In his speech, Dr. Mackay also highlighted the unique advantage of EIT students, many of whom come from professional backgrounds with hands-on engineering experience.
He explained that EIT’s blend of practical, vocational training and higher education provides graduates with the opportunity to work in the field immediately, an edge that traditional university students may not have.
Dr. Mackay spoke of the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and encouraged graduates to continue striving for excellence in their future careers.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of students who had demonstrated exceptional academic performance and innovation.
Several special awards were presented to graduates who stood out in five specific categories:
- Resilience Award: Zukiswa Mpana
This award was presented to Zukiswa for her outstanding perseverance in overcoming challenges throughout her studies. - AI Innovation Award: Livhuwani Rasoesoe
Livhuwani was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. - Sustainable Design Award: Leoma Justice Lekhoana
Leoma received the Sustainable Design Award for his work in creating engineering solutions that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. - Academic Excellence Award – VET: Thekiso John Serobatsi
The Academic Excellence Award for Vocational Education and Training (VET) was presented to Thekiso in recognition of his outstanding academic performance - Academic Excellence Award – Higher Education: Jacques Venter
Jacques received the Academic Excellence Award for Higher Education, which recognized his exceptional performance in his studies.
Words of Encouragement
Joyce Moganedi, the Sales Manager at ABB Robotics, delivered an encouraging speech to the graduates. She described the obstacles she had faced studying to become an engineer; it was an inspiring tale of determination and belief in herself.
With over 10 years of experience in the engineering industry, her words carried weight as she addressed the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for the graduates.
She described them as the “architects of our future,” acknowledging not only their academic success but also their potential to drive innovation and progress in the engineering field.
Moganedi encouraged the graduates to embrace their roles as leaders and continue pushing the boundaries of engineering to create solutions that will address the world’s most pressing issues.
Looking to the Future
As the ceremony came to a close, the graduates, their families, and faculty celebrated their achievements and reflected on the significant milestones they had reached.
The ceremony was not just a moment of recognition but also a turning point, as these graduates now move on to apply their education and skills in the real world. With the foundational knowledge they gained at EIT, combined with their hands-on experience, they are ready to make a meaningful impact in industries ranging from automation and AI to sustainable design and beyond.
With the ongoing support of EIT and its industry partners, the graduates are positioned to play a crucial role in the transformation of the engineering industry, both in South Africa and beyond.
