Page 54 - Transformation Report

process was undertaken. The newly designed academic attire for office-bearers was introduced at the April 2019 graduation
ceremonies. In addition, a sign language interpreter, as well as cultural and musical performances, were introduced for all
graduation ceremonies. A graduand academic process was introduced as part of the proceedings. In 2020, as part of the
Virtual Graduation Ceremony broadcast in December (see below), diverse cultural items, such as dance, poetry, music, and
choral items were pre-recorded and broadcast as part of the celebrations to reflect an African university.

In dealing with the challenges emerging due to the pandemic, a comic book series (see below) aimed at students, was
initiated. The series specifically relates to COVID-19 safety on and off-campus. The cartoons are published on the University
website and all social media platforms and have also been developed into a series of radio adverts. The strategic decision to
prioritise digital communication and marketing was affirmed with the University receiving the bronze award at the International
2020 Digital Communication Awards (in Germany), for the COVID-19 internal (staff and students) communication campaigns.
The comic book initiative formed part of an award-winning University communications and marketing series of COVID-19
digital communications.

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