Alumni Chapter events

Zimbabwe Alumni Chapter Dinner

The Unisa Zimbabwe Alumni Chapter Dinner was held on Saturday 8 September 2012 at the Crown Plaza Monomotapa Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The purpose of the lunch was to network, and to mobilise the university’s alumni in support of the 2015 Unisa Strategic Objective 6.6: “Mobilising the alumni in the service of the University”.

The Chapter Convenor, Mr Sarathiel Chaipa, welcomed the guests and gave a brief report on the Unisa Zimbabwe Alumni Golf Day that was held on Friday 11 May 2012. Mr Chaipa briefly mentioned an organisation called Society of the Destitute Aged (SODA), which the chapter intended to adopt together with other needy organisations in the country. He then introduced Mr S Mujere who manages the organisation.

Mr Mujere explained what the organisation stands for and invited alumni to donate money to the Society of the Destitute Aged. He mentioned that the organisation is currently going through hard times because it is receiving no financial assistance.

The keynote speaker, Prof KP Dzvimbo, Executive Dean of the College of Education, spoke about higher education and urged alumni not to relax after receiving their junior degree. He also promised to assist alumni wherever he can in terms of registering for senior degrees.

Ms Amanda Tlale, Manager Alumni Relations, reminded the alumni that they are the prime stakeholders of the university and as such should try to participate in whatever event the university requests them to. She further encouraged all alumni present to take up membership of the Alumni Association.

In conclusion, Ms Tlale thanked the alumni who had turned up in large numbers to make the meeting a success. This vote of thanks was extended to the keynote speaker and the hotel staff for work well done.

Prof Dzvimbo addressing alumni during the Chapter event

Ms Amanda Tlale, Alumni Relations Manager, enjoying a light-hearted moment during the event

Swaziland Chapter Breakfast

The Unisa Swaziland Alumni Chapter breakfast was held on Saturday 24 September 2011 at the Swazi Royal Spa, Mbabane.

The purpose of the breakfast was to network, to give support to the chapter and also to mobilise the University’s alumni in support of the 2015 Unisa Strategic Objective 6.6: “Mobilising the alumni in the service of the University”.

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, was the keynote speaker. Prior to the Principal’s address, the DVD showing his inauguration as Principal and Vice-Chancellor was screened. Prof Makhanya’s speech focused on two topics: the evolution of Unisa, and the reciprocal role of Unisa towards its graduates and alumni to their alma mater.

Ms Amanda Tlale, Manager Alumni Relations, encouraged all alumni present to become members of the Alumni Association. Accordingly, many of the alumni present at the meeting signed up for membership. In conclusion, Prof Louis Molamu, the outgoing University Registrar, delivered a vote of thanks to the alumni who had turned up in large numbers making the meeting a great success.