Johannesburg twins Connor and Liam Mayston had a double celebration when they both graduated from the University of Pretoria (UP) with computer science degrees during UP’s recent spring graduation ceremonies.

Connor and Liam (22) received their degrees in computer science via UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT). “We started with computer engineering,” Connor says. “That's why we’re only finishing halfway through the year. We did computer engineering in the first year and then decided we prefer a more software-oriented form of study, as computer engineering is mostly hardware.”

In their second year they started computer science, and because a number of modules carried over, they had half an extra year to complete.

In only the second in-person graduation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 612 degrees and certificates were awarded during the 2022 spring graduation ceremonies. The brothers graduated on 7 September.

Connor and Liam (22) received their degrees in computer science via UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.

Liam, who’s been employed at a software developing firm since the beginning of the year, says having a twin brother in the same class had its advantages. “Connor and I have always been together, and that's always easy if you need help. We were always right next to each other. We lift each other up. Also, in our outdoor life, we went to university together and stayed in the same apartment. So even doing a second degree, it's easy to do it. And if we need help with anything, you just have to ask.”

He adds that they watched television from a young age, enjoyed technology when mobile devices were available, and did coding at school. “I feel computer science is probably one of the best degrees you can do, especially for the future, because everyone needs software. It's become an integral part of our lives, and every company needs a website.”

Connor, who works with the software development team at a large motor vehicle retail chain, says getting the degree was a vindication of their hard work, and an indicator of a bright future. “It’s a bit of a relief to be done with studying, although we plan to enrol for the honours programme next year.”

Asked why they chose to study at UP, Connor says, “The first reason was that we believe UP offers the best engineering program out of pretty much all the universities in South Africa, and since we started as computer engineers, it was an obvious choice. It was not far from home, too, and many of our friends enrolled to study at UP, so we knew we’d have a nice social aspect as well.”

Liam agrees and says one cannot go wrong with a well-recognised degree. “That’s why we are enrolling for the honours degree; it will elevate our degrees even further. A degree is an important tool to get ahead in life, especially if one wants the option to travel.”

Connor says the way his studies have enabled him to think and interact with the problems presented to him “is the best thing I can say I’ve learnt from the University”.