Alumnus and Council Member Mr Cumngce Gawe passed away
It is with great sadness that we inform our University & Alumni community of the passing of Mr Cumngce Gawe. Mr Gawe has served the University and its predecessor, the PE Technikon, in various capacities since 1986, including being part of the University interim council during the merger.
He was Vice-Chair of Council and served on the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Trust as well as the Alumni Association Executive Committee.
Mr Gawe was the first black graduate of the former PE Technikon and graduated with a National Diploma in Industrial Administration (now Industrial Engineering) in 1980.
He worked at Goodyear South Africa for 23 years, his service broken by a brief stint as a Member of the Provincial Legislature. His political career also included being mayor of Uitenhage and regional treasurer for the ANC.
He held several top business positions, including chairing the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, co-founding Newport Projects (now Newport Construction) and serving as provincial manager at Maxima Global.
The University recognised Mr Gawe for his contribution to the University and the community with both a Council and Alumni award in 2016.
He remained a great ambassador for the University after his “retirement” from public office and continued to support some of the Alumni Association events, says Paul Geswindt, Director Alumni Relations and Fundraising.
“Cumngce Gawe was an example of dedication, commitment and a visionary having worked at Komani Hospital and studying part time to achieve his qualification at PE Technikon.
As a personal friend, retired Dean of Engineering, past university Council Member and Alumni Executive Committee Member, may I record my sadness at the passing of a giant who leaves a legacy behind that few will be able to follow.” Emeritus Professor Hugh Jeffery.
Nelson Mandela University Alumni Association conveys its condolences to the Gawe family.
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The Alumni Association Executive Committee appeal to all ALUMNI and FRIENDS of the University to support the institutional Convergence Fund established in aid of the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities, townships and informal settlements to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We also acknowledge our alumni who are making a difference during this period in their various sectors and communities.
Your support for the Convergence Fund will be highly appreciated.
Khwezi Blosè
President
To read VC's letter of appeal click here: VC's letter
Nelson Mandela University Alumni Awards recognise alumni who have gone the distance and beyond in their various fields, to the benefit of society at local, provincial, national and international level. A number of outstanding nominations were received by the Alumni Association's Executive Committee and in the spirit of the University's values, it is proud to present its 2019 recipients.
2019 ALUMNI AWARDS.. This year's Alumni Award recipients received their respective recognition at the Boardwalk Convention Centre on 08 November. Receiving the Alumni Rising Star Awards were Xolisa Litha Soyizwapi (far left), Dr Thakane Ntholi(centre) and Mzukisi Kota (far right), Alumni Achiever Awards were presented to Quinton Uren (second from left) and Robin West (second from right). Judy Sikuza received her Alumni Rising Star Award in absentia.
Our alumni are very important stakeholders of this University. It is the biggest, permanent stakeholder group with a very special interest in the well-‐being of its alma mater. And so it should be, because ours is a mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship. The success of our University contributes to your success as alumni. And your success in turn contributes to the positioning and success of the University.
Prof Sibongile Muthwa
Vice-Chancellor