Graduation 2026
The Cedar Graduation evening provided graduates with an opportunity to conclude their studies in an official and memorable manner. Starting at 5pm, graduates enjoyed delicious and tasty refreshments with family members and friends. Thereafter, everyone gathered in the auditorium for the official ceremony.
The evening was filled with music, speeches and celebrations. In addition to honoring the Cedar graduates, the academy also recognized the academic accomplishments of community members. The guest speaker, Professor Aubrey Mokadi, encouraged the graduates to be what Cedar had taught them to be: an evergreen tree that stands tall and bears fruit in every season.
The occasion also served as a fitting moment to promote one of Cedar’s lecturers to the rank of professor. No longer Doctor, Professor Fleischmann gratefully accepted her new title and remains dedicated to bring light to the academic world.
To conclude the evening, graduates, friends, and family proceeded to a professional photoshoot, where photos were taken for records as well as for memories to be treasured.
Guest Speaker Prof Aubrey Mokadi
Director of The South Africa Institute of Leadership (SAIL), a skills based company offering SAQA Accredited Qualifications & Leadership Programmes
Director of Jubilee Management Services, a Consultancy Company organisation NPO committed to the upliftment, development and empowerment of communities
Director: O R Tambo School of Leadership
Executive Committee Member & General Secretary of KAAPRON, a Non-Denominational Christian Organisation, with a full complement of networks in all the nine (9) provinces, whose mission is to promote Kingdom Principles of Apostleship & Discipleship to transform the lives of fellow South Africans for the Kingdom of God.
Academic Carreer
- Studied at various Institutions of Higher Learning: from Undergraduate , graduate and postgraduate levels: Fort Hare University, University of the Witwatersrand, University of South Africa, Stanford University (U.S.A), University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
- Scholar of English Literature
- Lectured in the English Departments of various Universities
- Published widely in several accredited journals nationally & internationally in various fields and topics ranging from English Literature, Governance, Social Policy and Leadership
- Recipient of National & International Awards of Academic Excellence
- Author of several Books endorsed through Forewords by eminent South Africans such as, the late Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Laureate for Peace; the late Nadine Gordimer, Nobel Laureate for Literature; the late Professor Es’kia Mphahlele, renowned Author, Academic, Scholar & Social Critic.
Summary of the Speech
The speech was dedicated to Rev EH Stegen and Bishop Molefe
Today we reflect on the meaning of the cedar—its origin, its strength, and its legacy. The cedar is a tree with an ancient lineage, stretching back over 3,000 years, rooted in the mountains of the Himalayas and the Mediterranean. It reminds us that identity begins with knowing where you come from: your ancestry, your story, your God-given heritage.
Just as in 2 Chronicles 20, victory comes when we stand together, grounded in faith: “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” This truth forms the foundation of who we are.
The cedar grows tall with a wide, sheltering crown. It is evergreen, resilient, quick to grow, and adaptable—its roots spreading wide or deep depending on what the soil requires. It teaches us to stand firm, to adapt, and to let our character be evergreen.
Cedar trees come in different varieties, each unique. In the same way, each of you carries your own gifts, strengths, and dreams. Know who you are. Assert your identity. Pursue your purpose with understanding, integrity, and courage.
Cedar wood has long been valued—aromatic, enduring, and used for temples, palaces, and sacred rituals. King David and King Solomon chose it for its beauty, excellence, and reliability. Excellence is also what we are called to: not mediocrity, but work done well, with endurance and commitment.
For more than 3,000 years, the cedar has symbolised strength, durability, sacred wisdom, royalty, and divine beauty. Today, Cedar graduates, you inherit that legacy. Go out and build lives that future generations can follow. Leave tracks worth tracing.
Go forward with confidence: the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.
Cedar Graduates of 2025
Swolfs, Fanny
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (BEd)
Over the past four years, I have gained both academic knowledge and valuable social skills, while learning to live a life firmly rooted in Biblical truths. I am deeply grateful to every counsellor, lecturer, friend and fellow student, for the role they played through their support, prayers and example. My prayer is to remain faithful in what I have learned and attained.
Theron, Anneke
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (BEd)
I thank the Lord Jesus that I could reach this point. I am thankful for the support of my family and the staff at Cedar International Academy. Studying at Cedar has shaped me in more ways than one, and I will always be grateful for the experience.
Williams, Ria
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (BEd)
I thank God for the privilege of being a part of the Cedar family and for how it has shaped me. The dedicated support of my lecturers has uplifted me, imparting invaluable life lessons, quality training, and spiritual guidance to me as I would have received nowhere else.
Graduate Acknowledgements
We celebrate the accomplishments of the following graduates who successfully completed their studies through other Higher Education Institutions. We praise God with them and acknowledge their dedication, perseverence, and success. We extend our congratulations.
Buthelezi, Thembelani
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching
University of South Africa
Combrink, Ria Kay
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
North West University
McGill, Gilchrist Neil
Diploma in Electrical Engineering (with distinction)
University of South Africa
Ncayiyana, Nonjabulo
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Marketing
Boston City Campus
Ngubane, Phumlani
National Diploma in Civil Engineering
Shakaland College
Schnitzer, Stephanie Dorothea
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
Stadio Higher Education
