Graduation took place on the 24th of June 2008 at the Muizenberg Pavilion. Graduates and academics met at the AIMS building from where they proceeded to the Pavilion. Of the 53 students, 52 graduated and eight of these did so with distinction.

The Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, gave the main address at the ceremony. She congratulated AIMS on the achievement of producing another cohort of graduates. She challenged the students “…to make Africa visible in your work … give attention to your own development, but also keep the continent’s development squarely in your mind.”

The other speakers who addressed the gathering were: Dr Phil Mjwara (Director General, Department of Science and Technology), and Ms Piyushi Kotecha (CEO of Southern African Universities Association). The ceremony was followed by a buffet luncheon for graduates, staff and friends of AIMS.