Date: 18/10/2003
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: University of Zululand graduation ceremony
SPEECH BY THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, AT THE UNIVERSITY'S GRADUATION CEREMONY, 18 October 2003
It is once again an honour for me to be part of this special occasion. This day is not only special to the students receiving degree certificates today, but to all of us because it gives us hope.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are indeed celebrating the achievements of our future leaders.
The students sitting here today have been thoroughly tested and found worthy of holding an official qualification from a reputable institution of higher learning. It is a prize possession and we want to congratulate you on reaching this very important milestone in your career.
As we congratulate you, the students, let us also salute and congratulate your parents and benefactors. Many families sacrifice a lot to ensure that their children obtain good education. Like your sons and daughters, who today celebrate their success, we regard you as true champions for having the vision of steering young people in the right direction.
We must also thank our academic colleagues who remain committed to the noble profession of education. Your toil, sometimes under trying circumstances, can really be described as a life-giving heartbeat, for without producing sufficient professionals for the market place, no nation can hope to prosper.
Yet, while we all share in this joyous occasion, it is imperative that I highlight some aspects we can call reality checks.
The students walking out here today with their valuable degree certificates must remember that this only represents the beginning of their respective journeys to success. Your parents, the university and your lecturers guided you along to where you are today. But now the responsibility of making things work, lies squarely on your shoulders.
Be reminded that possessing a degree certificate will not automatically open doors of opportunity. You are entering a competitive world where your knowledge, dedication and work ethic must be of the highest standard if your want to succeed.
It is now up to you to take this further and becoming worthy and productive citizens - not only for yourself, but also for the benefit of your country and especially those who are less privileged than you.
You must be prepared to participate actively in developing our young democracy to benefit all our citizens.
Our economy needs large numbers of graduates with professional skills. Given the globalisation of the world economy, we are increasingly improving our human resource strategy as a country. The world today demands constant renewal and innovation and the country will rely heavily on the young people like we have here today to keep South Africa competitive in the international arena.
We also need to remember that we are part of the African continent and should therefore seek to expand our knowledge and contribution beyond the borders of our country.
The social, economic and political challenges of this continent have been identified through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and we hope our intelligentsia will also contribute to the developmental goals.
We congratulate you today and invite you to become part of the exciting road ahead, towards a prosperous and successful country.
Finally, I would like to urge the graduates to never cease to seek more knowledge, never tire of overcoming obstacles and never compromise on maintaining a professional work ethic.
I'm confident you'll make us proud!
We wish you well.
I thank you.
Issued by The Presidency, 18 October 2003
Source: SAPA
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: University of Zululand graduation ceremony
SPEECH BY THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, AT THE UNIVERSITY'S GRADUATION CEREMONY, 18 October 2003
It is once again an honour for me to be part of this special occasion. This day is not only special to the students receiving degree certificates today, but to all of us because it gives us hope.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are indeed celebrating the achievements of our future leaders.
The students sitting here today have been thoroughly tested and found worthy of holding an official qualification from a reputable institution of higher learning. It is a prize possession and we want to congratulate you on reaching this very important milestone in your career.
As we congratulate you, the students, let us also salute and congratulate your parents and benefactors. Many families sacrifice a lot to ensure that their children obtain good education. Like your sons and daughters, who today celebrate their success, we regard you as true champions for having the vision of steering young people in the right direction.
We must also thank our academic colleagues who remain committed to the noble profession of education. Your toil, sometimes under trying circumstances, can really be described as a life-giving heartbeat, for without producing sufficient professionals for the market place, no nation can hope to prosper.
Yet, while we all share in this joyous occasion, it is imperative that I highlight some aspects we can call reality checks.
The students walking out here today with their valuable degree certificates must remember that this only represents the beginning of their respective journeys to success. Your parents, the university and your lecturers guided you along to where you are today. But now the responsibility of making things work, lies squarely on your shoulders.
Be reminded that possessing a degree certificate will not automatically open doors of opportunity. You are entering a competitive world where your knowledge, dedication and work ethic must be of the highest standard if your want to succeed.
It is now up to you to take this further and becoming worthy and productive citizens - not only for yourself, but also for the benefit of your country and especially those who are less privileged than you.
You must be prepared to participate actively in developing our young democracy to benefit all our citizens.
Our economy needs large numbers of graduates with professional skills. Given the globalisation of the world economy, we are increasingly improving our human resource strategy as a country. The world today demands constant renewal and innovation and the country will rely heavily on the young people like we have here today to keep South Africa competitive in the international arena.
We also need to remember that we are part of the African continent and should therefore seek to expand our knowledge and contribution beyond the borders of our country.
The social, economic and political challenges of this continent have been identified through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and we hope our intelligentsia will also contribute to the developmental goals.
We congratulate you today and invite you to become part of the exciting road ahead, towards a prosperous and successful country.
Finally, I would like to urge the graduates to never cease to seek more knowledge, never tire of overcoming obstacles and never compromise on maintaining a professional work ethic.
I'm confident you'll make us proud!
We wish you well.
I thank you.
Issued by The Presidency, 18 October 2003
Source: SAPA
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