New TUT Alumni Forum opens doors to mentorship, careers and community impact

New opportunities for mentorship, employment, entrepreneurship and community impact are set to grow following the launch of the City of Tshwane (CoT)/TUT Alumni Forum on 28 August 2026. The initiative brings graduates, industry leaders and community stakeholders together to support students, strengthen professional networks and turn knowledge into meaningful opportunities.

Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of Tshwane. This platform is expected to strengthen connections between the University, its alumni and the city while encouraging graduates to contribute to student success and community development.

Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of Tshwane, described the forum as a network of former TUT students from various industries who can share their knowledge, skills and experience with the next generation of professionals.

She said the initiative aims to make mentorship, support and career opportunities more accessible to young people by connecting them with experienced professionals across the private and public sectors.

Dr Moya encouraged alumni to become the support system they once needed themselves.

“If someone opened the door for you, open one for another. If someone introduced you to an opportunity, make an introduction. If someone invested their knowledge in you, invest yours in someone else.”

Dr Eric Pule, Director of the Advancement and Partnerships Office. She added that professional networks and social capital often create the link between potential and opportunity and encouraged professionals to use their connections to uplift others.

The forum will connect alumni to opportunities in mentorship, employment, entrepreneurship, work-integrated learning, further studies and student support, creating pathways for graduates to remain actively involved in the growth of the University and its students.

Dr Eric Pule, Director of the Advancement and Partnerships Office, said the initiative represents more than a gathering of former students.

“We are not launching a committee, but we are activating a network,” he said.

Dr Pule called on alumni to contribute their skills, experience, ideas, networks and resources to help create opportunities for students and support their academic and professional journeys.

Prof Mashupye H Maserumule, Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities. Zilke ‘Mapula’ Heyns, Alumni Fund Ambassador, highlighted the importance of giving back to the institution that helped shape graduates' lives and careers.

She said alumni can make a difference through mentorship, financial contributions, internships, professional guidance, equipment donations and access to industry networks. She encouraged graduates to consider how their support could help unlock opportunities for future generations.

Tom Mutshidza, a TUT alumnus, SRC President, and Divisional Head of Renewable and Energy Business, encouraged alumni to apply their expertise, research, and innovation to address challenges facing the City of Tshwane.

Zilke ‘Mapula’ Heyns, Alumni Fund Ambassador. He identified opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure, energy, local manufacturing and sustainable development and called on graduates to work alongside TUT and the City to develop practical solutions that create lasting impact in communities.

The launch of the CoT/TUT Alumni Forum is an important step toward strengthening alumni engagement and creating opportunities for graduates to mentor, support and inspire future generations. By connecting experience, expertise and professional networks, the forum aims to help students and alumni contribute to the growth of TUT, the City of Tshwane and society.

Tom Mutshidza, a TUT alumnus, SRC President, and Divisional Head of Renewable and Energy Business.