Michelle Mbaco

Ms Michelle Mbaco BCom’04, MA (Development Studies)’11 not only had a relationship with the University as a student and graduate but also as professional whose work at the EC Dept of Education involved a number of collaborative programmes with her alma mater including assisting public schools to set-up past pupil associations in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office and schools outreach programmes with the Dean of Students at the time.

 

Michelle is the Vice President of Nelson Mandela University Council and an Alumni Association Representative to Council and was previously also an alumni representative to the Institutional Forum. As member of Council she also serves on its Higher Education Committee and is a Council representative to Senate. During 2020 she chaired the Executive Committee ad hoc committee to review the Alumni Association constitution. 

 

She considers herself to be a development activist and volunteering time to make a difference in society should be important to every responsible citizen who is in a position to do so. She views 2020 as a year where people had to dig deep because we were tested, locally, nationally and globally. We experienced loss and sadness, but we still had various roles and responsibilities to fulfill including as members of the Alumni Association Executive Committee which had to reflect on how it was going to go ahead fulfilling its governance responsibilities. The virtual and online space is where we met, engaged, informed and honored our alumni. 

 

Michelle shares, “To my colleagues on the Executive Committee I would like to express my sincere appreciation for their roles in ensuring that we have realized the goals of the Association during these challenging times.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our alumni and friends and their families a peaceful festive season and we look forward to your support in 2021.  Thank you and stay safe.”