Our latest Mandela Alumni E-newsletter is published at a very challenging period in world history which compels us to reflect on life and co-existence. Individuals, families, societies, nations and organisations are all affected directly and indirectly by the CoronaVirus at this time. In this edition we share our institutional measures regarding Covid-19 and update you regarding alumni activities and alumni in the news as well as some major institutional stories. All alumni and other institutional events such as the April graduation and Open Days have been postponed until further notice due Covid-19 national government actions to limit its spread. We will be sharing information on a regular basis on our institutional digital platforms to update our various stakeholders regarding developments. Remain connected and continue to share your inspiring stories with us. Please email us on alumni@mandela,ac.za
Be safe and continue to make a positive difference.
Firstly, I would like to thank our President Cyril Ramaphosa, for his courageous and decisive leadership. Worldwide the COVID-19 pandemic is rampant and is increasing much faster than initially anticipated. Following the President’s national disaster and nationwide lockdown announcements, we find ourselves in unchartered waters.
Alumni Rising Star Award recipient and Mandela BTech textile design graduate, Laduma Ngxokolo celebrates 10 years of existence of his global brand.
Nelson Mandela University recently hosted the second instalment of the FishFORCE Dialogue entitled: “Tightening the Net 2.0” over one and a half days at the North Campus Conference Centre.
Artist and former head of Nelson Mandela University’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Department, Michael Barry (MEd ’13), was recently honoured for his contribution to the Arts by the Port Elizabeth Opera House.
The annual alumni Sikunye Jazz event in aid of the Alumni Fund showcased the talents of music students at its 13 March 2020 event. The Alumni Fund is used by the Alumni Association to support a variety of institutional programmes including financial support to students for categories where there are not sufficient funding such as postgraduate bursaries.
With the current scarcity of large amounts of hand sanitiser, Nelson Mandela University’s own scientists are urgently producing hand sanitiser as part of its efforts in preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).