Growing up in the remote area of Pienaar EGoboza in Mpumalanga, Nkosi is deeply passionate about community development, health, well-being, and, above all, education. As an experienced community development professional, he possesses the qualities essential for leading alumni in securing employment and accessing solid networks of professionals.
In his role as chairperson, Nkosi is determined to create opportunities through seminars and conferences, bringing together internal and external stakeholders to ensure that alumni remain connected with the institution. He asserts, "Securing sponsorship for alumni will be one of my priorities. I aim to be a channel of communication between alumni and UMP."
Nkosi holds a Master's Degree in Development Studies from UMP and is currently the Assistant Director under Strategic Land Acquisition at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.
"I have over seven years of hands-on experience in the execution of diversified land reform policies and legislations, community projects ranging from public, private, and Non-Governmental Organisations, communal land associations, and trusts. I have also pursued short courses on value-based leadership, management change, operation management, and project management, and I am currently working on my Ph.D. proposal."
Expressing concern about the gradually increasing unemployment rate affecting many graduates, Nkosi is determined to address this issue during his tenure.
He explains, "This opportunity will enable me to implement my vast leadership skills, both theoretical and practical knowledge, resulting in the growth and personal development of UMP alumni."
Leading from the front
Nkosi plans to organize job opportunity roadshows for unemployed graduates, where different potential employers will present all job openings available for UMP graduates to apply for.
He further adds that they intend to invite organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency, and the office of the Premier of Mpumalanga, to explore funding opportunities.
"We want businesses and government departments to employ a specific number of UMP graduates, this can be through Internship, contract, or even full-time employment. We advocate that potential employers prioritize UMP graduates in opportunities."
Recognizing the importance of alumni staying connected to their Alma Mater, Nkosi highlights that some companies and organizations approach universities with opportunities they wish to offer their graduates. He emphasizes the significance of staying connected to avoid missing out on such opportunities.
Nkosi and his team are committed to creating an alliance between their office, local businesses, and government departments in Mpumalanga before the end of their term. He says, "This alliance will benefit UMP graduates through job opportunities and funding opportunities."
His first task as the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter was providing alumni with letters of good standing, and he proudly shares, "So far I have managed to assist with three."
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.