by Amogelang Aysha Ramatena & Mmatumelo Lebjane
A special Alumni Breakfast engagement to unveil and discuss the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) 2025 Alumni Strategy, brought together Faculty Deans, Faculty Marketers, Donors, TUT Alumni and key stakeholders.
Hosted at the Pretoria Campus on 21 February, the robust engagement served as an important platform to strengthen alumni relations, explore collaborative opportunities and enhance alumni participation in the Faculty Chapters.
Through insightful discussions, participants shared perspectives on stimulating meaningful alumni engagement, leveraging alumni contributions to advance the University’s mission and consolidating strategic partnerships for mutual growth.
Dr Eric Pule, Director of the Advancement and Partnership Office (APO) outlined the University’s alumni relations approach for 2025. According to him, alumni support of key TUT projects is vital for long-term sustainability, therefore the University has left no stone unturned to bridge the gap between Faculties and alumni.
“This engagement set the table for us to refocus together, as a University, not just as alumni, Faculties, or different structures within the University, but as a unity to collaborate and support the institution’s core business of teaching, learning, research and innovation."
He emphasised the importance of involving alumni in shaping future-ready graduates. “We must ensure that alumni are onboard to play a role in shaping future-ready graduates. Technology is advancing every day; therefore, alumni should contribute to research and share ideas to improve systems at TUT,” he said.
Dr Eric Pule, Director of the Advancement and
Partnership Office (APO).
One such initiative is the development of the anticipated web application Alumni Space. Created by students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), the app aims to assist graduates in the long run and provide a platform for them to give back to TUT. Alumni Space will enable graduates to access job opportunities, advertise their businesses and connect with each other, to mention just a few.
Wanda Ndlovu, FoICT alumnus and Head of Innovation at Mbula Research and Development.
Shalate Davhana, Manager of Alumni Relations and Fundraising, repeated the importance of alumni engagement in shaping the future of TUT and the crucial role alumni could play in the University’s growth, mentorship programs and funding initiatives.
Wanda Ndlovu, FoICT alumnus and Head of Innovation at Mbula Research and Development, spoke about Alumni Collaboration in advancing institutional fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives. He also highlighted the power of alumni networks in driving innovation, funding scholarships and supporting research endeavors.
The FoICT students who developed the innovative alumni communication web application prototype, dubbed Alumni Space, were among the special guests.
Michael Sibanda, the excited Scrum Master and Project Leader for the Informatics Community Engagement Programme (ICEP), explained how Alumni Space will enhance alumni’s experience in connecting with their Alma Mater. This next generation technology App is expected to be launched in the first semester 2025.
The Alumni Breakfast Engagement reinforced the importance of alumni participation in the University’s growth. The discussions and strategies presented will play an important role in further refining the TUT Alumni Strategy for 2025. With continued collaboration and commitment, TUT Alumni are set to make a lasting impact on the institution and beyond.
Shalate Davhana, Manager of Alumni Relations and
Fundraising.
Alumni representatives.