UJ launches Western Cape Alumni Chapter & Faculty of Humanities Alumni Affinity Group

UJ’s Alumni Office, in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, officially launched the Western Cape Alumni Chapter and Faculty of Humanities Alumni Affinity Group on 18 November 2022, at the Cape Town Lodge hotel.

Hosted by the Executive Dean of Humanities, Prof Kammila Naidoo, the event was another milestone in expanding UJ’s alumni and affinity group network.

Head of the Politics Department, Prof Bhaso Ndzendze, pointed to the many incentives for being a UJ alumni, including free access to the Mail & Guardian premium platform, a free wellness programme, and gym membership worth up to R1000, access to all campuses and their services, as well as to art exhibitions and discounts at coffee shops.

Western Cape chapter convener, Kabelo Mashile, said that alumni were well placed to “push the university forward and repair the issues they had experienced, to improve outcomes for future students. UJ is currently number two in the country and continent. We are aiming for number one.”

Alumni are also key to the financial support of new students, said Senior Director of Revenue Administration, Mzwakhe Matukane. Between 2016-2021, with help from alumni and investors, UJ allocated R921 million to assist students with registration fees. “UJ aims to raise R1 billion each year to aid in funding students. This is done through connecting alumni and partnering with them.” he said.

Referring to the value of alumni in the Humanities, Vice Dean: Research, Professor Brendon Barnes, said they could use their understanding of the working world to better prepare students for jobs after graduation. They were also well placed to represent the University, and to collaborate and contribute to the progression of UJ in becoming number one in the country and the continent.

• The establishment of chapters and affinity groups relies on contactable alumni. We call on all UJ Alumni that would like to start a Chapter or Affinity group to update their contact details.
• Visit https://ujalumni.co.za/ to join Alumni Connect