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WENDY MOTHATA
THE University of South Africa (Unisa) has postponed graduation ceremonies that were scheduled on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.
This is after lectures and a graduation ceremony were disrupted by protesting members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU).
“The graduation ceremonies scheduled this afternoon (15 March 2022) at 18:00 as well as tomorrow at 10:00 and 18:00 respectively have been postponed until further notice.” The university will communicate more information about the outstanding graduation ceremonies in due course,” Unisa said.
The university has apologized to graduates.
“The University of South Africa (Unisa) would like to extend its sincerest apologies to the graduates and guests who were inconvenienced by the disruption of the graduation ceremony by protesting members of NEHAWU scheduled for this morning,” the university said.
Unisa added that the management is in talks with NEHAWU about the issues that led to the disruption.
“University Management is currently in conversation with NEHAWU about the issues in dispute that led to the disruption, as well as the rules of engagement when employees exercise their right to protest” said the university.
The university said it will make alternative arrangements for the graduates who have been inconvenienced by the disruption and will, in due course, communicate the details of such arrangements directly to the affected graduates.
Unisa student, Tawanda Shoniwa, scheduled to graduate on Wednesday said that he is very disappointed by the cancellation of graduation ceremonies.
Shoniwa is from United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He said, “I flew from across the world for this ceremony and booked in hotels. Now you say this.”
When asked if he is going wait for further announcements or return back he said “I can’t wait for further announcements. My supervisor is expecting me back to work on Friday morning. Wish they could give me my certificate. Now after buying a gown for R6600, travelling and accommodation expenses I am going back empty handed.”
-Inside Education