On 8 April 2017 we saw off the 915 students who make up the Class of 2016 Graduates. The ceremony for Higher Certificate, Social Science, Health Sciences and IT students, took place in the morning and the Business and Economics Ceremony in the afternoon. The celebratory atmosphere was lifted even higher with a spectacular performance from our MSA Choir.

Our graduates and their proud families provided the glamour for the day, with some super stylish looks and bright smiles to light up the venue. As the ceremony began, our CEO, Sharad Mehra, delivered a warm and inspiring speech, encouraging each graduate to be the hero of their own lives and to take with them what they have achieved and continue to build on their success.

Mr Mehra’s speech was followed by a special video, which can be viewed on our Facebook page, which wishes all our graduates well and takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments from 2016. Our Gym Supervisor, Mr Stephen Tromp, received a particularly raucous round of applause for this special appearance in the video – go watch it and see if you can spot him!

Of course, the most important and unforgettable moment of the event was watching our graduates walk across the stage to the jubilant sounds of proud families and friends. Each beaming graduate was presented with their degree, the culmination of all their hard work, and we look forward to discovering where our now alumni will go and what incredible new heights they will reach.

There were also inspiring speeches from two of our graduating students, Reabetsoe Mothakathi, who graduated with an Honours in Child and Youth Development, and Yande Mankande, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Science degree. Reabetsoe encouraged all present to make the choice and take action to better society as a whole, and ended with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who had helped her and her fellow graduates on their journey to success. Yande gave a moving talk about overcoming adversity and rising to face the challenges that life brings, ending with a well-deserved congratulations to all her fellow graduates.

During the ceremony, a special presentation took place for the awarding of the coveted Sir John Monash Medal. The award was presented to Social Science student Shannalee Doran for her outstanding academic record and significant commitment to advancing the goals of social justice, human rights and a sustainable environment. This award is presented to only one exemplary student annually. Some of our other extraordinary graduates were also recognised on Friday 7 April, the night before graduation, for their impressive efforts throughout their time at MSA at the annual Top Achievers’ Awards.

Our Academic President, Prof. Alwyn Louw, left graduates with the message to “Never stop learning. Keep giving the gift of education to yourself, keep thinking critically and interrogating yourself and the world you live in”.

We’re so proud of all our graduates and are honoured to have been a part of their journey towards success. MSA wishes you all the best for the future. “Farewell, we’re gonna miss you!”