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Unisa Alumni Relations Office strengthens bond with Botswana graduates

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The Unisa Alumni Relations Office recently embarked on a visit to Gaborone, Botswana, aimed at reconnecting with Unisa's alumni in the region and promoting a culture of continuous education. The visit not only reinforced the strong ties between Unisa and its graduates but provided valuable insights into alumni engagement strategies and potential expansion opportunities in Botswana.

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Alumni from the Unisa Botswana alumni chapter gathered at a networking session in Gaborone to pledge their support of their alma mater and create networks to drive the chapter’s activities

The primary objective of the visit was to rekindle relationships between Unisa and its alumni in Botswana. The Alumni Relations staff members recognise the importance of maintaining a strong connection with graduates and providing ongoing support in their academic and professional journeys. This visit was an opportunity to strengthen these bonds and show appreciation for the continued loyalty of Unisa's alumni.

During their stay in Botswana, the Unisa Alumni Relations team engaged in benchmarking activities at Botswana University. This exercise aimed to gain insights into the alumni activities and relationship-building strategies employed by their Botswanan counterparts. The sharing of best practices and experiences between the two institutions proved to be incredibly fruitful, offering valuable takeaways that can be incorporated into Unisa's own alumni engagement initiatives.

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Unisa’s alumni from the Botswana chapter turned up in their numbers to attend a networking session organised by the Unisa Alumni Relations Office. Lynette van Niekerk (right), Events Coordinator from Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations is assisted by the convenor of the Botswana alumni chapter, Michael Andina (second from right) to register guests.

A noteworthy initiative that took place during the visit was the hosting of a helpdesk facility. Launched at the beginning of 2023 for all international events, this platform provides Unisa's stakeholders, including alumni, current students, and prospective students, with an opportunity to discuss challenges and seek solutions. It reflects Unisa's commitment to supporting its community in various ways, ensuring their academic and professional success.

The highlight of the visit was a networking event held at the Avani Gaborone Resort. This event served as a platform for Unisa alumni in Botswana to come together, share their experiences and pledge their unwavering support for their Alma Mater. The Botswana alumni convenor, Michael Andina, took the opportunity to establish an executive committee for the Botswana alumni chapter, further solidifying the ties between Unisa and its graduates in the country.  It was heart-warming to welcome alumni from as far as Maun (800 km) and Francistown (400 km) to enjoy the networking and share ideas to address pressing issues.

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Michael Andina, chapter convenor of the Unisa Botswana alumni chapter, used the networking session to invite alumni to participate in chapter activities and mobilise to assist communities in need

During the networking event, Andina urged the University to explore the possibility of establishing a Unisa office in Botswana. He emphasised that such an office would streamline administrative processes and make academic pursuits more accessible for current and future students in the region. This proposition was met with enthusiasm, showcasing the strong desire of the local alumni community to see Unisa's presence expand in Botswana.

One of the delegates summed up the sentiment of the Botswana alumni community, stating, "We are thankful for the opportunities that Unisa has given us and are eager to continue supporting the university.”

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

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Publish date: 2023/10/19

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