The Chapter aims to provide alumni and the University with a structure through which to engage and collaborate, serve as ambassadors of UMP, and play a critical role in advancing the vision and welfare of the institution.
Newly elected Chairperson, Thabiso Nkosi, aims to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, including seeking opportunities for Limpopo alumni and continuing implementing programmes initiated by the previous leadership.
“My wish is to see University of Mpumalanga graduates shining and be a true reflection of 'Creating Opportunities'. Also, to empower students through entrepreneurship initiatives, build a strong job market competitiveness, raise funds for those owing fees to the university, and ensure the university pride lives forever in us.”
The newly elected executive members for the Limpopo Chapter are:
- Chairperson: Mr Thabiso Nkosi
- Secretary: Mr Jerry Tjale
- Treasurer: Ms Koketso Kgampe
- Additional Member: Ms Bongiwe Khoza
Previous Gains
The Limpopo Alumni Chapter was the first to be launched by UMP in 2019. Former Chairperson, Rejoice Modipa, provided an overview of the Chapter’s progress over the past five years. She reflected on the journey since the Chapter's inception, highlighting both achievements and challenges.
“Our University believed in our province and saw it fit to experiment with launching the first ever alumni chapter in our province,” Modipa said. “We feel so blessed and honoured to have been the first province out of the nine provinces in our country to have launched the first alumni chapter of the University. The chapter started with only two executive members, the Chairperson and the Secretary.”
The newly elected members promise to seek opportunities for alumni.
The COVID-19 pandemic initially hampered their activities, but by 2021, the Chapter held elections to appoint two additional members. Modipa emphasized the Chapter’s commitment to ethics, believing that an ethical approach yields good results and reputation.
In 2022, the Chapter had a strategic meeting with the Office of Graduates and Placement to present their Plan of Action (POA). Key initiatives included gathering Limpopo alumni through social media, assisting graduates with internships, bursaries, and jobs, and raising awareness about UMP in high schools.
Modipa highlighted notable successes, including the story of Mr Sibeko Richard, a Plant Production graduate who secured employment through a job post shared by the Chapter. “Our two additional members were of great help as they managed to connect students with jobs, agricultural facilitation roles, and information on obtaining facilitation certificates,” she said.
Despite facing challenges in fundraising, the Chapter persisted. They struggled to secure resources to connect with potential sponsors for clearing graduate debts and helping them register for postgraduate qualifications. Moreover, their awareness campaign faced hurdles as attempts to collaborate with other university departments did not yield the desired support.
Modipa hopes the new committee will build on their efforts and continue to advance the Chapter’s objectives. “We wish the upcoming committee all the best, may they not forget that a great leader listens, accepts critiques, and is transparent. A true leader is not made but born to lead.”
The UMP Limpopo Alumni Chapter strives to create opportunities and enhance the university's legacy through dedicated alumni engagement and support.
Story and pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga.