A Panel of Trailblazers The evening’s panel comprised dynamic UJ alumni who have each made significant strides in their respective fields. Panellists included: • Hilton Chinyama, Senior Financial Strategist at Standard Bank and former Deputy President of the UJ Student Representative Council (SRC); • Ronel Jooste, Chartered Accountant, certified John Maxwell Leadership Trainer and holistic wellness expert; • Advocate Eric Khotha, practising in criminal and labour law and founder of Khotha Consultancy; • Solomon Makama, Dedicated Tutor and Director at Tswellopele Academy. Leadership and Vision in Action In his reflection, Hilton Chinyama, who studied at UJ from 2012 to 2015, shared how his leadership journey within the SRC and Golden Key International Honour Society helped shape his professional path. “UJ is not just a university, it is a launchpad for leadership, innovation and bold ideas,” he said. “Serving in communities exposed us to the realities that many young South Africans face. That experience gave rise to the Rineka Foundation, which my wife and I founded to uplift young girls in underserved communities.” Ronel Jooste spoke candidly about overcoming shyness and leaving the corporate world after a decade to pursue entrepreneurship. “I now speak to large audiences, which would have seemed impossible during my student days. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for job creation, and I
responded by launching a business initiative to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools and knowledge,” she said. Solomon Makama, a BCom graduate in Econometrics and Economics (2017-2021), focused on the importance of consistency and sharing knowledge. “Many young people struggle with maintaining consistency. It’s not enough to start – you must keep going. Education is key, and the idea behind Tswellopele Academy is to support and uplift learners through shared learning,” he noted. Advocate Eric Khotha, who began his academic journey in the Humanities before transitioning to Law, recounted how his SRC experience inspired him to launch a legal consultancy. “I saw how students were expelled over minor misconduct issues and realised that access to legal representation could change lives. Khotha Consultancy was created to provide free representation and ensure justice for those most vulnerable,” he explained. Shaping the Future through Innovation The central theme of the evening, Youth and Youth Innovation in Action, highlighted the critical role of young people in South Africa’s development. From legal advocacy to economic upliftment, the panellists exemplified how a UJ education can empower graduates to be agents of change. In her closing remarks, Ms Magongoa thanked attendees and reiterated the importance of continued engagement within the UJ alumni community as the institution looks to the future. To watch the full conversation, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHO4tnaNpe8
“I SAW HOW STUDENTS WERE EXPELLED AND REALISED THAT ACCESS TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION COULD CHANGE LIVES. KHOTHA CONSULTANCY WAS CREATED TO PROVIDE FREE REPRESENTATION AND ENSURE JUSTICE FOR THOSE MOST VULNERABLE,” HE EXPLAINED.
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