Alumni

Mozambican alumni support Unisa's sustainability efforts

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The Unisa Alumni Relations Office recently hosted an alumni breakfast in Maputo. It had been more than two years since Unisa staff and alumni from Mozambique met face-to-face. There was great excitement to meet with the current alumni family and welcome new graduates into Unisa's #CircleofExcellence.

Unisa Mozambican alumni

Unisa's Mozambican alumni, like the university's alumni in 146 other countries, played an integral part in the brand-building of the university, especially during the turbulent time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The group proved their loyalty to Unisa by standing firmly behind their alma mater. They further showed commitment by inviting several potential students to the alumni breakfast to explore Unisa's programmes.

Uitnei Chamusso

During the event, staff from the Unisa Marketing Department had their work cut out for them when they answered several questions about the registration of new students. They also responded to questions from alumni interested in pursuing master's and PhD qualifications. Many returning students were interested in the supervisory training offered to alumni by the College of Graduate Studies. The training was initiated in 2022, and a staggering 500 alumni completed it. Earlier this year, the Alumni Relations Office undertook to assist the university with its throughput of postgraduate students by training selected alumni for supervisory roles. This project is ongoing.

The guest speaker at the event, Uitney Chamusso, a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus and an art and culture entrepreneur, addressed the attendees on their attitude towards life and events that mould individuals. She emphasised that one's attitude determines if something good develops out of a bad situation. Sharing her life experience, she said her family did not support her in pursuing a career in arts and culture. However, after many hardships, she followed her dream and became an entrepreneur.

Chamusso was recently interviewed on CNN and is recognised as a specialist in maintaining cultural values in the modern world. She believes strongly that African societies must hold fast to their respective cultures and history instead of mimicking the examples often depicted in the media.

The support of Unisa's alumni,  through donations, time or knowledge, is pivotal to the growth and sustainability of the institution. Therefore, the Alumni Relations Office offers several benefits to alumni in recognition of their valued contributions to the university. These benefits include discounts on programmes, career opportunities, and special offers from Unisa Press and the Unisa Music Foundation.

The Alumni Relations Office has met up with most of Unisa's 21 alumni chapters this year. Regular and targeted communication and networking have enhanced the ambassadorial spirit of the institution's alumni. 

* By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations

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Publish date: 2022/11/03

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