Retirement may mark the end of a professional career, but it does not diminish the knowledge, experience and legacy accumulated over years of service. For the University of South Africa (Unisa), retired employees remain an important part of its institutional history and a valuable resource in shaping its future. 

This message took centre stage when Unisa's Western Cape Region hosted its inaugural Retirees' Day at the Cape Town Campus in Parow, bringing together former employees to celebrate their contributions and reaffirm their enduring connection to the university. 

The event, initiated by Western Cape Regional Director Motale Nkgoang, provided an opportunity for retirees to reconnect with former colleagues, reflect on their years of service and learn about the university's continued development.  Among those attending were two former regional directors, whose presence highlighted the leadership and institutional knowledge that helped shape the region over the years. 

More than a celebration of past achievements, the gathering sought to recognise the continued contribution retirees can make as mentors, advisors, ambassadors and custodians of the university's institutional memory. 

Welcoming the guests, Nkgoang emphasised that retirement should not be viewed as the end of an individual's contribution to the university or society. 

One of the central messages of his address was that retirement represents an opportunity to serve in different ways, drawing on the wisdom and expertise acquired throughout one's working life. "Retirement is not the end of contribution; it is the beginning of a different form of service," he said. 

Western Cape Regional Director Motale Nkgoang (left) with former Regional Director Dr Keith Jacobs during the inaugural Retirees' Day.

His message reflected the purpose of the inaugural event: to recognise the people whose commitment and dedication helped establish the foundations on which the Western Cape Region continues to build. Nkgoang also acknowledged the lasting influence of retired employees on the university's broader mission. Their contributions, he noted, can be seen in the graduates whose lives have been transformed, the qualifications awarded and the communities that have benefited from Unisa's educational opportunities. 

The programme, directed by John Abrahams, Head of Facilitation and Learning, created space for appreciation, reflection and renewed engagement between the university and its former employees. 

Delivering the keynote address, Unisa Vice-Principal for Institutional Development Prof Solomon Magano reinforced the importance of recognising retirees as an integral part of the university community. 

Speaking under the theme "Honouring our legacy, shaping our future: The role of retirees in advancing Unisa's strategic vision", Magano conveyed greetings and appreciation from Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula, who was unable to attend because of other institutional commitments. 

He thanked the retirees for their years of dedicated service and reflected on the role they had played in shaping Unisa's development. Using the analogy of a relay race, Magano explained that retirees had passed the baton to the current generation of university employees, who now carry the responsibility of building on their achievements and advancing the institution's mission. 

The analogy underscored the importance of continuity between generations, with each contributing to the university's progress while drawing on the experiences and lessons of those who came before. Magano also reflected on the value of wisdom accumulated over a lifetime, drawing on a biblical passage that celebrates the strength of youth and the dignity of old age. 

His message was particularly relevant at a time when universities are navigating rapid technological change, artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While emerging technologies continue to transform higher education, the experience and institutional knowledge of retired employees remain valuable in helping universities navigate change while preserving their identity and values. 

Unisa Vice-Principal for Institutional Development Prof Solomon Magano delivers the keynote address during the Western Cape Region's inaugural Retirees' Day at the Cape Town Campus in Parow.

Magano used the occasion to reflect on the changing higher education landscape and Unisa’s responsibility to remain relevant to the needs of South Africa and the African continent. He outlined the university's ten Catalytic Niche Areas, which guide its research and academic priorities, and highlighted institutional achievements that demonstrate its continued contribution to knowledge production. 

Among these were Unisa's reported position as the second-ranked public university in South Africa for composite research output and its leading position in doctoral output, as reflected in the Department of Higher Education and Training's May 2026 report. These achievements provided an opportunity for retirees to appreciate how the institution has evolved and how their own contributions helped lay the foundation for its progress. 

Magano encouraged former employees to remain engaged with the university and continue promoting its mission within their communities and professional networks. Their understanding of Unisa's history, institutional culture and development places them in a position to provide mentorship, guidance and valuable perspectives to current and future generations. This intergenerational exchange of knowledge is particularly important for an institution committed to widening educational opportunities and contributing to the development of society. 

It also reflects the broader principles of lifelong learning and knowledge sharing, which support the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision of developing Africa's human and intellectual capabilities. 

Recognising that retirement brings new opportunities as well as challenges, the programme included sessions focused on financial management, healthy ageing and personal well-being. A financial wellness session provided practical guidance on budgeting and managing financial resources during retirement. 

Participants were encouraged to consider the importance of financial planning and maintaining stability as they transition into a different stage of life. A separate wellness session focused on healthy ageing, self-care and maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The discussions highlighted that well-being extends beyond physical health and financial security to include emotional fulfilment, social connection and continued participation in meaningful activities. 

Retirees were also encouraged to consider ways of sharing their knowledge and expertise through community projects, mentorship and other initiatives that contribute to society. These conversations reinforced the idea that retirement can provide opportunities for personal growth, community engagement and continued service. 

The emphasis on healthy ageing and well-being also reflects the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly its commitment to promoting well-being throughout people's lives. 

Beyond the formal presentations, Retirees' Day provided an opportunity for former colleagues to reconnect, share memories and celebrate their experiences at Unisa. Live entertainment by a saxophonist and keyboardist, featuring a selection of African cultural and Afrikaans music, contributed to the celebratory atmosphere. The performances encouraged guests to relax, dance and enjoy the occasion while reconnecting with people who had been part of their professional journeys. The programme also reflected on the Western Cape Region's growth and achievements. 

Live musical entertainment adds to the celebratory atmosphere as retirees reconnect with former colleagues and share memories of their years at Unisa.

Following Magano's address, Deputy Regional Director Ms Frauendorf presented highlights of the region's key developments and accomplishments on behalf of its various sections. The presentation allowed retirees to see how the institution had progressed and how the foundations established during their years of service continue to support its development. 

One of the most meaningful moments came when retirees were invited to share their own experiences. They reflected on their time at Unisa, recalled memorable moments and spoke about activities and initiatives in which they remain involved. Their contributions brought a personal dimension to the gathering, demonstrating that the university's history is preserved not only through official records and institutional achievements, but also through the experiences of the people who helped build it. 

The inaugural Retirees' Day highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships with former employees and recognising their continued place within the university community. Institutional memory is an important resource for universities, particularly as they respond to changing educational, technological and societal demands. 

Retired employees carry knowledge of past challenges, decisions, achievements and institutional practices that can provide valuable context for current developments. By maintaining these relationships, Unisa can create opportunities for knowledge transfer, mentorship and collaboration across generations. 

The Western Cape Region intends to build on the inaugural gathering by strengthening its engagement with retirees and recognising the contribution they can continue to make to the university and their communities. The initiative also supports Unisa's broader commitment to engaged scholarship and its aspiration to be the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity. 

For the retirees, the event offered more than an opportunity to revisit the past. It reaffirmed that their contributions remain appreciated and that their relationship with the institution continues beyond their formal years of employment. 

As the celebrations concluded, the Western Cape Region expressed its gratitude to the retirees for their dedication, the lives they helped transform and the foundations they established for future generations. The message was clear: while their professional careers at Unisa may have ended, their legacy continues to shape the institution, and their wisdom and experience remain valuable to its future. 

* By Lee-Anne Davids, Acting Communication and Marketing Manager, Unisa Western Cape Region