Unisa boasts alumni chapters in ten African countries and eleven in South African regions. The chapters were established in 2008 after a council resolution was taken to mobilise alumni in the service of humanity. The chapters aim to play an integral part in the university's sustainability.

Since their inception 14 years ago, they have significantly impacted their communities. Their projects include several assistance programmes for schools, community outreach programmes and assistance during graduations to welcome new alumni. In addition, convenors have proved to be true ambassadors in their countries and regions.

They also act as the pivotal point when alumni, and current and prospective students have enquiries about the university. Moreover, they lead all alumni activities in their countries and regions. They also identify networking and fundraising opportunities for the university. In 2022, the alumni of Unisa enabled 175 students with outstanding tuition fees to graduate.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, most convenors volunteered to remain in their positions.

Convenors are elected for three years, whereafter, they can volunteer to be re-elected for a second term. This year, the Alumni Relations Office embarked on a process to host elections for convenors for all alumni chapters. The elections were hosted online to enable all alumni in different countries and regions to vote. A total of 67 candidates volunteered or were nominated, and all of them indicated they were ready to lead their respective chapters.

Voting commenced from 19 to 24 October 2022, and polls closed on 3 November 2022. The following candidates were elected:

South Africa

• Bloemfontein: Matlali Rose Kotele (Higher Certificate in Law, currently in the final year of LLB)
• Cape Town: Sifundo Ndzube (Diploma in Law)
• Durban: Qhubekani Mahlomula Hlabisa (Bachelor of Education)
• East London: Sipho Konkwane (Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences, currently in the final year of the Diploma in Animal Health)
• Ekurhuleni: Hloniphani Quebert Dlamini (Higher Certificate in Law)
• Gqeberha: Yonela Skotoyi (Bachelors in Administration)
• Johannesburg: Gerald Motau (BCompt Honours)
• Mbombela: Njabulo Enerst Mhlongo (Honours Degree in Education)
• Polokwane: Lethabo Matlala (BCom Honours)

Africa

• Botswana: Michael Andina (BCom Hons [Economics], PGDip Risk Management)
• Eswatini: Nomsa Treasure Maseko (Masters of Education, currently studying towards a PhD in Education)
• Ethiopia: Haymanot Tesfaye (MBL)
• Kenya: Dr Dorca Stephen (PhD in Mathematics)
• Lesotho: Dr Mamosa Thaanyane (PhD in Education)
• Mauritius: Zeenat Fugurally (PGCE)
• Namibia: Dr Colen Tuaundu (PhD in Education)
• Zambia: Tisangechi Sakala (Master of Laws in Taxation)
• Zimbabwe: Guidance Tinashe Chinyemba (MBL)

Elections for the convenor of the Pretoria chapter were held earlier this year. Dorah Queen Sekosana (Bachelor of Information Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration) was elected.

Positions for the Mthatha and Mozambique chapters are still vacant. The vision shared by alumni chapters is to work towards increased support for the university. In addition, the chapters will assist current and future students in completing their programmes successfully.

The Alumni Relations Office is excited to work with the new team of leaders that have taken the reigns in their chapters. This group will also play an integral role in the 150-year celebration of the university in 2023. Convenors will attend a three-day workshop in February 2023 to plan for the year ahead and to enhance their ambassadorship of Unisa.

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