An excited atmosphere filled the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, on Saturday 21st May 2016; when 1380 MANCOSA students from South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions graduated.
Graduates and their families expressed delight through chanting and tears of joy as students flowed through the process of being capped, hooded and collecting their certificates.
Professor Yusuf Karodia, Principal of MANCOSA, congratulated and saluted all graduates in his opening address. He said,
“It is of interest to note that the role of business in society has never been greater. The case for corporate responsibility strategies such as product innovation, resource efficiency and diverse workforces, grows ever stronger. And yet, where demands on business to take responsibility for society and the environment were once the preserve of a minority, today leaders are keen to become mindful managers.”
The excitement built among the MANCOSA staff and the guests who attended the first session, when Swaziland’s King Mswati’s mother-in-law, Mrs Lindiwe Dlamini, graduated with her MBA degree. She was accompanied by her family members, Princess Sidumolesihle; Prince Bukhosi and Chief Kusa.
MANCOSA graduates were introduced to a new award pertaining to excellent female leadership within the business environment. Dr Claudine Hingston, Head of MANCOSA’s Center for Women in Leadership, introduced the award to the congregation and congratulated Mrs Michelle Cronje on fulfilling the criteria for this award.
Graduates were encouraged to fly the MANCOSA flag with pride and dignity as the ceremony was brought to an end.