Amongst the more than 70 guests and institutional representatives were back row, from left, Paul Geswindt (Director: Alumni Relations); Dr Muki Moeng (DVC: Learning and Teaching); Siphile Hlwatika (President: Alumni Association); Ziyanda Ntshona, Dr Curwyn Mapaling and Asithandile Rangile (former Alumni Award recipients); DVC: Engagement and Transformation Prof Andre Keet; Lebo Nare (Alumni Executive Member) and Khwezi Blose (Alumni Council representative). Front, Linda Mafa (Alumni Executive member); Anele Siswana (former Alumni Award recipient); VC Prof Sibongile Muthwa and Parmi Nateson (former Alumni Award recipient).
Prof Muthwa gave an overview of the university’s strategic focus areas and achievements and encouraged all alumni, including graduates from the founding institutions, to reconnect with their alma mater.
Alumni were also invited to share comments and feedback included ideas for connecting with alumni, ways to support the university, some shared their institutional experiences as well as appreciation to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow alumni through such events. The engagement and feedback opportunity were welcomed by members present.
The Alumni Association President, Siphile Hlwatika, shared in his welcome message that alumni could also share ideas in support of their alma mater through the various consultative sessions of the four Association working groups focusing on graduate employability and sustainable livelihoods; resource mobilisation, for example, bursaries; mentorship and governance and alumni services. These sessions are advertised on
social media and the
alumni website.