THUTOKEMATLA: CLAIMING CONVOCATION THROUGH UBUNTU, ALUMNI ACTION, AND SHARED IMPACT By Dr Sibusiso Reuben Bakana, President of the University of Johannesburg Convocation
CONVOCATION MUST BE MORE THAN A FORMAL ALUMNI STRUCTURE. IT MUST BE A LIVING PLATFORM FOR SERVICE, SOLIDARITY, ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, AND COLLECTIVE ACTION. THROUGH THUTOKEMATLA, ALUMNI CAN HELP RESTORE OPPORTUNITY, STRENGTHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG, AND RECLAIM CONVOCATION AS A FORCE FOR SHARED IMPACT.”
Convocation occupies a unique and important place in the life of the University of Johannesburg. It is more than a formal body of graduates; it is the enduring voice of alumni, a bridge between generations, and a platform through which those who have passed through the institution can continue contributing to the growth, transformation, and future of their alma mater. At its best, Convocation embodies a living connection between the University and its graduates, not only in ceremonial terms, but in practical, ethical, and developmental ways. This is a moment to renew that purpose with clarity, humility, and collective resolve. At a time when universities are called upon to do more with limited resources, alumni are called not only to celebrate the institution that shaped them, but also to help strengthen it. The work before us is to deepen the relationship between graduates and the University, create meaningful opportunities for participation, and nurture a culture of giving back that is purposeful, structured, and sustainable. The direction before us in this term of office is anchored on reconnecting alumni with the University, strengthening the visibility and effectiveness of Convocation, and creating practical avenues through which graduates can support students and institutional development. Convocation should not be understood merely as a governance structure, but as an active community of leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and change-makers who remain committed to the advancement of the University. Its strength lies not only in its constitutional role, but in the willingness of alumni to stand together in service of something greater than themselves. At the same time, there is a need for honest reflection. Over the years, Convocation has at times suffered from misunderstanding, distrust, and a narrowing of its true purpose. That perception must be corrected in a structured, principled, and inclusive manner, guided by integrity, accountability, and the spirit of Ubuntu. Convocation must never be a platform for self-interest; it must be a vehicle for collective upliftment, ethical leadership, and institutional advancement. It is in this spirit that ThutoKeMatla emerges as a flagship call to action. The phrase itself carries a simple yet profound truth: education is power. Through ThutoKeMatla, Convocation seeks to inspire a culture of alumni giving, educational empowerment,
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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