Alumni
Zambian alumni gear up post-Covid-19
In an effort to return to normality post-Covid-19, the Unisa Alumni Relations Office recently held a Zambia Alumni Chapter breakfast meeting in Lusaka. The university’s alumni from all walks of life were thrilled to see and engage with each other again.
Unisa Alumni Relations Office representatives with the Zambia Alumni Chapter breakfast meeting attendees in Lusaka
The event was attended by, among others, graduates, government officials, entrepreneurs, pensioners and stalwarts of the Zambia community. Beyond reuniting, the platform provided an opportunity to establish new networks.
In his welcome address, the convenor of the chapter, Bonaventure Motale, reiterated how committed the university’s alumni in Zambia are. "Unisa must work closely with employers to equip its graduates with the relevant industry skills and specialities. Systems of education must look at the bigger picture of humanity and embrace ethics that are relevant to different industries," said Motale.
Bonaventure Motale |
Frankie Mojapelo |
Motale remarked that before the Covid-19 pandemic, the chapter had numerous initiatives developed to plough back into the Zambia community. He said: "The chapter’s activities need to be rekindled. We can now pick up where we left off and once again, be known as the vibrant alumni chapter of Unisa."
The Acting Director of Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations, Frankie Mojapelo, invited the alumni to strengthen relationships, partnerships and networks with Unisa. Mojapelo noted: "A strong relationship, growth and focus is essential for long-term sustainability and continuous improvement of Unisa. As we grow gingerly towards our 150th anniversary and beyond, it will benefit from a continued dialogue with you."
Mojapelo asserted that Unisa’s alumni have unique insights into the culture of the university, as well as strong perspectives on the needs of individuals who are far removed from their alma mater. For him, the alumni have many of the critical skills to not only assist in the continuous growth of the university, but also address the unique challenges that Africa faces.
"We are incredibly proud of our graduates who now span the globe," Mojapelo concluded. "Maintaining a sense of community with graduates near and far is our top priority moving forward."
The alumni were very excited to make use of the various benefits and opportunities currently offered to them by Unisa. Many indicated that they were eager to attend the supervisory training by the university’s College of Graduate Studies, and to ultimately assist in the supervision of master’s and doctoral students.
* By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, Unisa Alumni Relations
Publish date: 2022-07-05 00:00:00.0
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