Nelson Mandela University (NMU) celebrated the achievements of 563 graduates at its Summer Graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, at the Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre. The event recognized the hard work and dedication of students receiving 395 undergraduate and 168 postgraduate qualifications across various fields.
Inspiring Stories of Determination
The 2025 Summer Graduation was particularly notable for the exceptional journeys of several graduates, highlighting lifelong learning, commitment to service, and academic endurance:
- Dr. Samkelo Janda: The current Mayor of Mbhashe Local Municipality was awarded a Doctorate (PhD) in Public Administration and Management. His research focused on oversight and accountability in local municipalities, utilizing the principal-agent theory. Dr. Janda, who holds two previous master’s degrees, expressed deep gratitude to his family and former mentors.
- Dr. Arumadri Bako: An extraordinary graduate from Uganda, Dr. Bako achieved the rare feat of concurrently completing both an MBChB (medical degree) and a PhD in Conflict Management. She stated that this combination allows her to address both individual health and systemic community issues. Her doctoral research explored women’s leadership within Ugandan security institutions.
- Richard Borain: At the age of 81, Mr. Borain received his Master’s Degree in Pharmacy, completing research he had begun over four decades ago. Motivated by his sons, he returned to the degree after the initial institution lost his original thesis. Mr. Borain now plans to pursue a PhD, illustrating a powerful commitment to continuing education in the ever-evolving field of medicine.
The ceremony served as a powerful testament to the value of education at any stage of life, from serving mayors to returning octogenarians and high-achieving multi-disciplinary scholars.
