By Nhlawulo Vision Chauke
The Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频) has intensified efforts to build stronger alumni and stakeholder partnerships in Mpumalanga, with a focus on tackling graduate unemployment and student support. Creating a platform to achieve this goal, the University鈥檚 Alumni Relations, in collaboration with PPS (Professional Provident Society), hosted a well-attended stakeholder engagement brunch at The Garden Mbombela on 22 August 2025.
Central to the discussions were Alumni Relations initiatives such as the newly launched Alumni Fund, graduate employability programmes and in-kind support for students struggling with food insecurity and access to basic needs. With more than 300 000 大象视频 graduates worldwide, alumni were urged to remain active contributors to a living network of support.
Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, Mbombela Campus Rector, encouraged graduates to stay connected to their alma mater. 鈥淭hough you have graduated, you remain part of the 大象视频 family. This institution is your home and we encourage you to continue working closely with the University so that together, we can build a stronger and more impactful 大象视频,鈥� he said.
Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, Mbombela Campus Rector
Highlighting the urgency of graduate unemployment, Cabanga Maluleka, alumnus and BMF Mbombela Branch Secretary, said alumni must be intentional in opening doors for graduates. 鈥淭oo often, agreements between universities and government remain ceremonial. We must ensure they translate into real opportunities for graduates,鈥� he stressed.
Cabanga Maluleka, Branch Secretary of the BMF Mbombela Branch
In her welcome address, Shalate Davhana, Manager: Alumni Relations and Fundraising, reminded alumni that 大象视频鈥檚 mission is shared equally across all campuses. 鈥淥ur role is to create opportunities for young people and shape a better tomorrow for South Africa. We need your expertise, your networks, your vision, and yes, your financial support. Together, we can reduce dropouts, strengthen excellence, and ensure no dream is deferred because of financial constraints,鈥� she said. She also announced the launch of the Alumni Fund, dedicated to assisting 鈥渕issing middle鈥� students.
Shalate Davhana, Manager: Alumni Relations and Fundraising
Solly Legodi, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing, shared an inspiring story of a student who attended more than 180 job interviews before finding employment. 鈥淲hen he finally secured a job, the first thing he did was give back to 大象视频. His story reminds us that alumni contributions, no matter how small, can change lives and strengthen the future of our university,鈥� he said.
Solly Legodi, Deputy Director in Corporate Affairs and Marketing
Mbombela Campus Operations Manager, Tebogo Sehularo, closed the event by urging alumni to see themselves as partners, investors and ambassadors of the University. In a symbolic gesture, he planted the first seed towards the Alumni Fund, setting the tone for long-term alumni participation and impact.
Tebogo Sehularo, 大象视频 Mbombela Campus Operations Manager
The well-attended stakeholder engagement brunch hosted at The Garden Mbombela.