The Central University of Technology AlumniAssociation Executive Committee recently held a two-day Strategic Planning Session aimed at revamping the university’s alumni experience. The recently held session at the Welkom Campus focused on re-evaluating the purpose of the association, and ensuring that it is aligned with the strategic objectives of the university.  

The President of the Alumni Association, Mbuyiselo Frans, highlighted the importance of befriending the current alumni who have strayed from associating with the university. “Our strategic plan must be a turning point towards realising that we are part of the success of this institution. And, most importantly, as the brand ambassadors, as students who grew up in this institution, we understand the CUT culture, and it is important to maintain that CUT culture. As the Alumni Association, we are going to protect this brand; not only be brand ambassadors, but protect and maintain a CUT culture that has a good relationship between its graduates and their alma mater”, said Frans.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, stated the important role played by the current alumni in growing the institution. “You have a big role to play. It starts firstly with recruiting students, and then later introducing them to industry. The CUT Vision 2030 has big room for you. This includes the role that you are going to play to make sure that our digital transformation is up and running. And in making sure that our student recruitment, their stay at the university, and their transition to industry are as robust as possible”, added Prof. Ngowi.

Dr Sally Dzingwa, CUT Institutional Registrar, added that, as the Alumni Association Executive Committee has recently begun their term, it is imperative that they use this transition period to their best advantage. “There is a need for us as a university to reflect, regroup and reframe our position as we take on this transition. We need to understand and appreciate that we each have a role to play in how CUT is viewed. And I want you to remember that, despite the challenges, despite the transitions, we are here focused on the same vision, objectives and mission”, said Dr Dzingwa.

The Chairperson of the CUT Council, Cllr Matthew Rantso, added that the CUT Council is there to strengthen the association’s efforts in growing the CUT brand. “The Alumni Association is paramount to us branding the university; to us actually achieving the vision of becoming a leading African university of technology. We cannot do it if our alumni are not enshrined in that vision. I want to encourage the Alumni Association to have confidence in the fact that you are a statutory structure at CUT, and that as Council, we are aware of your challenges; we are listening to you; and we are doing something about it. This must be a joyful experience. The alumni are very critical for any university. There is a place where we need to go with the
Vision 2030, and the alumni is squarely a strategic partner in us achieving that”, concluded
Cllr Rantso.

Captions

1. The two-day Strategic Planning Session focused on re-evaluating the purpose of the Alumni Association and ensuring that it is aligned with the strategic objectives of the university.  

2. The CUT Alumni Association Executive Committee. From left to right are Mr Lekhooa Seleke (Additional Member); Ms Natasha Lethola (Additional Member); Mr Tshidiso Sebogodi (Additional Member); Ms Mojebeng Khukutli (Treasurer); Mr Mbuyiselo Frans (President); Mr Lebohang Khutlang (Deputy President); Ms Keneiloe Mogorosi (Additional Member); and Mr Itumeleng Matete (Additional Member).