On 19 September 2026, UMP former students gathered at the Mbombela Campus for the election of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter Executive Committee.
The Chapter provides a platform for former students to remain connected with the University, build professional networks, share experiences and support one another beyond graduation.
The newly elected Executive Committee comprises:
- Chairperson: Mr Prosper Chiloane
- Secretary: Mr Ben Langa
- Treasurer: Mr Lucky Mbuyisa
- Additional Member: Ms Sanet Ndwandwe
The Executive Committee will support the Chapter's activities, strengthen alumni engagement and foster lasting relationships between graduates and UMP.
Speaking after the elections, newly elected chairperson Mr Chiloane outlined three key focus areas for the Chapter.
These are maintaining connections between UMP and its graduates, ensuring that the Chapter functions as an active alumni body, and creating meaningful benefits for graduates through networking, mentorship, opportunities and a sense of belonging.
“The Chapter should keep us connected to the institution that shaped us, so that UMP and its graduates grow together, not apart,” he said.
He said the Chapter should fulfil its role as an active and functioning alumni body, rather than simply exist as a title.
The newly elected Executive Committee of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter.
“It must be a structure that meets, plans and delivers,” said Mr Chiloane, who also emphasised the importance of ensuring that graduates benefit from their continued association with UMP.
“The Chapter must ensure that graduates actually benefit from its existence, whether through networking, mentorship, opportunities or simply a sense of belonging to something that works for us."
Mr Chiloane called for active participation from graduates in building a functional alumni structure.
“For too long, alumni structures like ours risk becoming names on paper rather than living, functioning associations. That must change under this leadership. I will need every graduate here to hold this leadership accountable, to participate and to help us rebuild this Chapter brick by brick.
Our commitment to you is to build a Chapter that graduates can point to with pride; a credible and effective association, run with discipline and consistency." he said.
The Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter brings together former students who share a connection with UMP and provides opportunities for networking, collaboration and continued engagement with the University community.
UMP congratulates the newly elected Executive Committee and looks forward to working with the Chapter to strengthen connections and create opportunities for its alumni community.
Story and Pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga. Copyright © UMP.