Mohalenyane Phakela
THE Centre for Accounting Studies (CAS) on Friday awarded diplomas and certificates to 415 graduands during a colourful ceremony held at Lehakoe Recreational & Cultural Centre.
This was the college’s 36th graduation ceremony since its establishment in 1979. Of the recipients, 44 were Chartered Accountants, 64 General Accountants, two were conferred with Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) diplomas, 46 CIPFA certificates, 12 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) certificates and 247 Certified Accounting Technician certificates.
The institution also honoured 12 outstanding performers with the awards sponsored by various corporates including Africa Media Holdings, publishers of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers.
CAS Chancellor, Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, called on the graduands to be responsible adults.
“Your parents sacrificed a lot for you to be here today. It is your turn now to be accountable for your lives and also their wellbeing since the success you are celebrating today is a result of sacrifice,” Prince Seeiso said.
“Everybody will be looking to see if you will achieve greatness through your certificates or become a source of shame for your family. No one can take this education away from you; only you can do that with alcohol and drug abuse.”
Prince Seeiso also spoke about the need for Basotho to live in peace.
“As we pat ourselves on the back, I urge you all not to forget that Lesotho is celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary next year,” he said.
“Let us all think of what history we will tell the next generation with regards to how we contributed towards the well-being of the country when it celebrated its Golden Jubilee of liberty.
“What can we do to bring Lesotho to its days of glory when the rest of the world perceived it as a land of peace which our founder fought for?”
In his remarks, CAS Rector Mubita Anakoka, said the institution would be adding a year to its three-year Chartered Accounting programme.
“As much as the institution is known for producing the best accountants, we would also want them to become entrepreneurs, hence our decision to add a year to the course,” Mr Anakoka said.
“We are also working on increasing the portfolio of programmes offered at CAS, and transforming the institution into a business school.
“This year is particularly wonderful as we welcome the first graduates from the CIMA programmes.
“It is also the first time that CAS issues its own certificates as we only used to confer those from overseas universities. And this is part of forging CAS’ identity, and we recognise the support of various stakeholders.”
On behalf of the graduands, CAS Students Representative Council President, Moreli Makhupane, expressed appreciation to government for availing student loans through the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS).
“I would also like to thank the government, through NMDS, for assisting us in the same manner as other tertiary institutions since we will start receiving food and rent allowances,” he said.
“And to you my fellow graduates, all eyes are directed at you regarding how you tackle today’s challenges. People say life is full of choices, but I urge you not to choose but adapt to the lifestyle that will benefit your careers. Follow your hearts and do not focus on living other people’s lives.”