
Grad Week 2025 | Madian Bates — Discipline, Science, and the Best Part of Being a Matie
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In this Grad Week 2025 episode, we sit down with Madian Bates, who graduated with her BSc Honours in Physiological Science — a demanding qualification earned through years of discipline, resilience, and commitment to science and service.
Joined in studio by her proud parents, Miemie and James Bates, Madian reflects on the expectations she arrived with, the pressure that came with an honours degree, the sacrifices made along the way, and the people who stood by her throughout her Stellenbosch journey. She also speaks about growth — academically, personally, and emotionally — and the values she now carries into the next chapter of her life.
A special shout-out goes to Madian’s Serruria residence family, whose support played a meaningful role behind the scenes.
Recorded Tuesday, 09 December 2025, this conversation forms part of MFM 92.6’s Grad Week 2025 series, celebrating the real stories behind the degrees — the hard work, the support systems, the memories, and the moments that define what it means to be a Matie.
Once a Matie, always a Matie.
Joined in studio by her proud parents, Miemie and James Bates, Madian reflects on the expectations she arrived with, the pressure that came with an honours degree, the sacrifices made along the way, and the people who stood by her throughout her Stellenbosch journey. She also speaks about growth — academically, personally, and emotionally — and the values she now carries into the next chapter of her life.
A special shout-out goes to Madian’s Serruria residence family, whose support played a meaningful role behind the scenes.
Recorded Tuesday, 09 December 2025, this conversation forms part of MFM 92.6’s Grad Week 2025 series, celebrating the real stories behind the degrees — the hard work, the support systems, the memories, and the moments that define what it means to be a Matie.
Once a Matie, always a Matie.

