(Left to Right) Ms Nomaxabiso Tata – Member of the Executive Committee of Convocation, Ms Puleng Moloi - Member of Council & Member of the Executive Committee of Convocation, Mr Victor Khangale – Integrated Communications: Alumni Office, Mrs Phaladi Magongoa - Senior Manager: Alumni Office and Prof Bettine van Vuuren – Registrar
This sentiment was echoed by Deputy President Werner Duvenhage, who reflected on the enduring influence of UJ across decades of professional and community engagement. “Over more than 30 years, I have been able to contribute meaningfully to the workplace, in leadership, and within communities. That journey is deeply connected to UJ. It is important that we remain both personally and emotionally invested in this institution,” he said. Moderating the discussion, Victor Khangale, from the Alumni Relations Department's Integrated Communi-cations, emphasised the role of connection in shaping identity. Emphasising this, Dr Sibusiso Bakana, also notes that graduating from UJ doesn’t mark an end but rather a beginning. “Graduating from UJ is not the conclusion of a journey, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship. The university experience equips us with values, networks and a sense of belonging, elements that continue to shape who we are long after we leave campus,” he said. The conversation also explored the tangible impact of alumni engagement. Puleng Moloi, a member of the Executive Committee of Convocation and Council, spoke to the importance of professional networks and partnerships in driving opportunities. “Networking and collaboration are central to strengthening the university community. It is about building meaningful relationships that unlock opportunities and then working together to translate those opportunities into real impact,” she said. Addressing the role of alumni in mentoring the next generation, Nomaxabiso Tata highlighted the University’s deep connection to society and the responsibility that comes with it. “The University of Johannesburg exists within the pulse of society, from Doornfontein to Soweto and beyond. As alumni, we must carry a mindset of continuous learning into every space we occupy. Growth is what positions us globally, and participation is where that growth begins,” she said. In closing, Prof Van Vuuren returned to the theme of unity, reinforcing the idea that UJ’s strength lies in its collective identity.
“Our alumni come from different legacy institutions, RAU, TWR and now UJ, but we are one family. What unites us is pride in our alma mater. When one succeeds, we all succeed. That is why collaboration and mutual support remain so important,” she said. As UJ looks ahead to 2026, the In Conversation Series served as a reminder that its alumni were not merely graduates of the institution, but active participants in its future, shaping, strengthening and sustaining a legacy that continues to grow. To view the In Conversation Series with the Executive Committee of Convocation: Shaping 2026 Together, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o2vmXvPUEs
GRADUATING FROM UJ IS NOT THE CONCLUSION OF A JOURNEY, BUT THE BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP. THE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE EQUIPS US WITH VALUES, NETWORKS AND A SENSE OF BELONGING, ELEMENTS THAT CONTINUE TO SHAPE WHO WE ARE LONG AFTER WE LEAVE CAMPUS.
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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