Page 11 - Thetha Issue 6

INTERNATIONAL TIES

Celebrating our identity as a dynamic African university bearing an iconic name, our alumni
were well represented on a recent multi-leg Africa engagement tour that retraced Nelson
Mandela’s historic journey across the continent.

n 1962, Madiba secretly left
South Africa, travelling across
IAfrica to meet African leaders
and seek support for the anti-
apartheid struggle.
Mandela University, in
shouldering his legacy, followed in
these footsteps 60 years later to
forge connections and expand its
continental footprint.
The first leg of the African
Engagements and Partnership
Programme ran from 25 June
to 2 July, focusing on three East
African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya
and Uganda.
The University’s deepening
connection with Africa seeks research, innovation and learning more than 60 alumni and friends,
to shape and reanimate critical and teaching. with several universities also sending
partnerships by identifying specific During their visit, the delegation representatives.
areas for collaborative engagement, met with six universities, held two “Our doctoral graduates have
successful alumni events and multiple … been at the forefront in driving
The Team recruitment activations, and engaged the Uganda chapter and engaging
with other institutions, such as South
with Mandela University,” Professor
Led by Vice-Chancellor, African embassies in the respective Muthwa said in her address. “The
Professor Sibongile Muthwa countries and the African Union. Ugandan alumni chapter model is
and DVC: Engagement and unique and commendable. Another
Transformation, Professor André Forging friendships unique characteristic of the Uganda
Keet, the delegation comprised A packed itinerary saw a number of Chapter is the special relationship
a full bouquet of institution engagements held across Ethiopia it has with the South African High
leaders: alumni relations (Mr (Abrehot Library, Salale University, Commission in Uganda.”
Paul Geswindt), academic South African Embassy in Ethiopia, From there, the Mandela Group
administration (Mr Edgar de Addis Ababa University, African travelled to Kenya, where Prof Keet
Koker), Strategic Mobilisation Union, Ethiopian Civil Service led the delegation in talks with the
and Advancement (Dr Denver University (ECSU), Addis Ababa University of Nairobi, a major partner
Webb), academic faculties Science and Technology University in realising Mandela Uni’s African
(Dr Jacqui Lück and Professor (AASTU), and Kolfe Centre for footprint.
Mcebisi Ncwadi), Centre for Military Training); Uganda (Makerere More than 30 alumni attended
Community Technologies University and Ugandan Alumni the Nairobi Alumni event, with
(Professor Darelle van Greunen), Event); and Kenya (University of support evident to establish a
International Office (Ms Natasha Nairobi and Kenyan Alumni Event). formal chapter.
September, Ms Asande Tele Addis Ababa, the first stop, was “Our presence in Kenya is
and Ms Nobungcwele Mbem), where Mandela received his military recognition of the leading role of
Communications and Marketing training. higher education institutions in the
(Mr Andrew Kock), and the Chair The second leg of the tour was country and the role our alumni
for Critical Studies in Higher to Uganda, where constructive can play in helping us develop
Education Transformation (Dr discussions were held with Makerere linkages and network,” said DVC:
Jenny du Preez). University. Engagement and Transformation,
An alumni event in Kampala drew Professor André Keet.

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