As another graduation season comes to an end at SANTS, we are excited to look back at some of the encouraging words that students received at our various graduation ceremonies that took place in semester 2 this year.

At our KwaZulu Natal graduation ceremony that took place on 22 October at the Durban Christian Centre, Dr Jabulile Mzimela from the University of KwaZulu Natal joined us as the key-note speaker.

In her key-note address Dr Mzimela congratulated the 2024 graduates of SANTS Private Higher Institution, praising their determination and achievements. She reflected on her own graduation experience, acknowledging the mix of excitement and uncertainty the graduates may have felt as they stood on the brink of their future paths. Dr. Mzimela emphasized that while family support is essential, each graduate must forge their own path in life.

 

 

 

Additionally, she pointed out the unique challenges and changes that today’s graduates face, particularly in South Africa’s evolving education system and with global advancements in artificial intelligence, climate change, and social transformation. She highlighted the graduates’ adaptability and digital fluency as crucial skills for the future, especially in their roles as teachers and community leaders.

 

Advice for the Future: Curiosity, Kindness, and Resilience

 

Dr Mzimela encouraged the graduates to look back at their journey with pride, reminding them of the friendships, resilience, and knowledge gained at SANTS, and the important role they now play as educators in society—serving as role models, caregivers, and leaders. She also thanked the graduates’ families for their sacrifices and support, underscoring that this achievement belongs to them as well.

As a final piece of advice for the future, Dr Mzimela urged graduates to stay curious, embody kindness, and take calculated risks. Graduates were reminded that success is not merely reaching a destination but growing along the journey, and she quoted Ann Landers on the importance of recognizing opportunities, often disguised as hard work. The speech with pride and encouragement, assuring the graduates that they have the tools and spirit to make a difference. Dr Mzimela left them with a call to embrace their potential, make positive contributions to society, and reminded them that the world awaits their unique talents and leadership.

Apart from the key-note address, Mrs Elaine Baxen Head of the Academic Implementation Unit at SANTS welcomed the graduates into the teaching profession with her motivational speech

 

 

 

Mrs Baxen’s speech addressed the newly graduated teachers and offered wisdom drawn from her own career in education. Reflecting on her first experience teaching Grade 1 students, she is emphasizing that the successful outcomes were due not to exceptional teaching skills, but to the strong relationships she built with her students. It was also highlighted that impactful teaching extends beyond academics, underscoring the long-lasting influence teachers can have on their students’ lives.

 

Three Key Virtues Crucial For Effective Teaching

 

Mrs Baxen introduced three key virtues inspired by Patrick Lencioni: humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence, which she believes are crucial for effective teaching.

• Humility involves acknowledging that a teacher is not the sole source of knowledge. By listening and learning from students, teachers create an environment where students feel valued and empowered.
• Hunger refers to a strong desire for professional growth. Baxen encourages new teachers to pursue lifelong learning and development, keeping pace with the evolving educational landscape and inspiring their students to adopt a similar mindset.
• Being Smart entails having the emotional intelligence that enables teachers to connect with students on a deeper level, fostering mutual trust, understanding, and respect. This emotional awareness helps teachers recognize and respond to learners’ needs, transforming them into great educators.

Welcoming New Teachers into the Profession

 

In closing, Mrs Baxen welcomed the graduates into the teaching profession as her new colleagues, encouraging them to remain committed to these virtues and congratulating them on reaching this significant milestone.

We hope that our newly graduated teachers have been greatly motivated by these words of wisdom to go out and live out their passion for teaching in places where South Africa needs teachers most. SANTS is excited to see the impact our teachers will have on the children of Sotuh Africa!