Graduates celebrate their achievement during the 2026 Spring Graduation Ceremonies.
Spring Graduation ceremonies showcase academic achievement, research and determination across all four faculties
By Staff repoters – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) has conferred 525 qualifications during its 2026 Spring Graduation ceremonies, celebrating the academic achievements of graduates from the faculties of Management and Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science and Agriculture
Held over two days, the ceremonies saw the university confer 261 undergraduate degrees, 15 postgraduate certificates, six postgraduate diplomas, 31 Honours degrees, 186 Master’s degrees and 26 doctoral degrees.
Among the graduates was Tokollo Phoshoko, who obtained a Master of Science in Mathematics cum laude.
Her achievement marked a remarkable academic turnaround. After obtaining a Level 1 in Mathematics at high school, she went on to graduate cum laude in both her Honours and Master’s degrees.
Phoshoko attributed her success to perseverance, faith and determination, encouraging other students to continue working towards their goals despite setbacks.
In the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Clement Premjith received a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine.
Reflecting on the demands of medical training, Dr Premjith spoke about the responsibility of serving communities and urged fellow graduates to remain curious and approach their work with excellence and compassion.
In the Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Dr Christinah Mkhonto graduated with a PhD in Physics.
Her research, Phase Stability and Surface Interaction of Fe-Alloys, examined the stability and surface properties of metal-doped alloys, with a focus on the brittleness and low-temperature ductility of iron-aluminides.
Her work identified promising compositions and surface structures with potential applications in advanced steel and protective components.
Dr Mkhonto’s academic record includes 13 research papers presented at national and international conferences, four awards and recognition through the Prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO National Young Talent Award for Women in Science.
Dr Mxolisi Ngwenya was awarded a PhD in Nursing for research focused on strengthening triage practices in labour wards at selected district hospitals in Mpumalanga.
His research informed the development and validation of an Obstetric Triage App, designed to support maternal and newborn care.
Dr Ngwenya has also contributed to international journal publications, a book chapter and a policy brief, with his research presented in Denmark, Indonesia and South Africa.
Dr Rosinah Pillay, Head of the Department of Public Administration at UL, received her Doctor of Administration qualification.
Her thesis examined the implementation of an integrated rapid public transport system in Polokwane Local Municipality.
Dr Pillay credited her faith, family and friends for their support and encouraged others to remain committed to their goals.
For Mnikelo Mathebula, who graduated with a BA in Psychology and Criminology, reaching the graduation stage meant overcoming significant financial and academic challenges.
During his first two years at university, he struggled to afford basic necessities while keeping up with his studies. Prayer, faith and fellowship helped him through the difficult period.
In his final year, Mathebula received bursary funding after two unsuccessful applications.
Professor Marlise van Staden, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships at UL, encouraged the graduates to take the knowledge, skills and values gained at the university into their communities and workplaces and use them to create meaningful change.
“Carry forward the knowledge, skills and values gained at the University of Limpopo and use them to create meaningful change,” said Prof van Staden.
“Carry forward the knowledge, skills and values gained at the University of Limpopo and use them to create meaningful change.”