Unisa alumni encouraged to be ambassadors of the university

Dr Emmanuel Tshikwantanba, Campus Director of the Siyabuswa Campus of the University of Mpumalanga and Unisa alumnus, was the guest speaker at an alumni chapter event hosted in Mbombela. The event was attended by approximately 100 alumni who were excited to re-ignite Mbombela chapter activities and strengthen the alumni network. Like many of the alumni chapters of Unisa, the Mbombela Chapter had to postpone most of their projects and activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(From left) Njabulo Mhlongo, Convenor of the Mbombela Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Tshikwatamba, Campus Director of the University of Mpumalanga, Siyabuswa Campus, Dr Lesiba Molepo, Acting Regional Director, North Eastern Region, Khomotso Khoza, Regional Service Centre Manager, North Eastern Region, and Frankie Mojapelo, Acting Director: Institutional Advancement

Tshikwantanba urged alumni to nurture their relationship with their alma mater and to give back to the university who “produced” them. ‘Unisa alumni share in the rich history of the university which, in 2023, will span 150 years,’ he said. ‘With up to 50 000 students graduating this year, the ambassadors of Unisa, representing the values of and service to humanity, are increasing. Education changes us, including the difference we make to society.’

In closing, Tshikwantanba remarked: “This is our Unisa – those who have graduated from it, should take care of it. Unisa will continue producing the next generation of graduates who will take the baton and move with it. By doing so, the university and its alumni keep on giving hope to humanity”.

Dr Lesiba Molepo, acting Regional Director of the North Eastern Region, had the opportunity to inform attendees about the region’s activities and plans for the upcoming year. He invited the chapter to get involved and share in the successes of the region.

In his address, the chapter convenor, Njabulo Mnlongo, shared his experiences as a graduate of Unisa and invited alumni to participate in the activities of the chapter.

In closing, Frankie Mojapelo, Acting Director: Institutional Advancement, thanked alumni for their continuous donations to Unisa. The alumni of the university were able to assist 177 final-year students to graduate by paying their outstanding fees. He mentioned that the university offers a number of benefits to its alumni, including supervisory training to master’s and doctoral alumni, library benefits as well as discounts on selected programmes.

Alumni from the Mbombela Unisa Alumni Chapter will be included in various activities and events organised by the Alumni Relations Office for 2022. These will include hybrid workshops on mentorship, career development and leadership.

* By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, Department of Institutional Advancement