A second International Alumni Chapter was successfully launched in Gaborone, Botswana, on 10 September 2022. The first international chapter was launched in Lesotho earlier this year. These chapters are launched to bring CUT alumni closer to their alma mater and to build relationships with one another.

“Today is a great day for CUT because it is the first time the Alumni Association is coming to Botswana to follow you, the ambassadors of CUT. I cannot stress the importance of this event enough. You are the people that market CUT out here, you are representatives of your alma mater, and the role you play is very significant,” said Prof. Ngowi, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal. It is often not recognised how important the involvement of alumni in African universities is. In many institutions, the alumni give back to the institution to help those coming after them. Prof. Ngowi mentioned all that has changed at CUT since the alumni had completed their studies. Some faculties have changed from what they were. They are new and improved with new courses. There are also centres for multidisciplinary research and various entrepreneurship programmes. CUT is working towards Vision 2030, which states that it should be the best university of technology in Africa by then.

CUT's Dr Alfred Modise, Assistant Dean for Research, Innovation and Engagement in the Faculty of Humanities discussed two kinds of people in this life. The educated and the learned. The educated hold a qualification, but the learned hold a qualification and have mastered certain skills, and that is what our graduates are, learned. It is evident from the fact that 80% of the alumni in attendance are employed in their field of study. “Things have changed since you last obtained your qualification. Competition gets tough every five years. Go back and reskill yourself, enrol in another course that will give you a new set of skills in your field,” he challenged the alumni.

CUT as a stakeholder must take care of and nurture its students and alumni. “We will be profiling you because we want to brag about our graduates. We have publications which are there to connect, engage and inform internal and external parties about the great work that you have been doing,” said Ms Jacqueline Pietersen, Deputy Director: Alumni Affairs.

“It is a great honour to witness how all of you have done so well for yourselves. You will be electing a committee to represent you. It is the job of the Alumni Association to support the programmes you will outline. We are eager to hear your new ideas, and we are willing to go the extra mile to support your needs,” expressed Mr Lebohang Khutlang, CUT Alumni Association, Deputy President. In attendance was Mrs Jubee Mawoyo, Assistant Registrar: Academic Structure and Student Enrolment. She gave guidance to those who wish to further their studies, and answered all questions related to admission and funding at CUT.

The newly elected members are Ms Mildred Baikakedi, Coordinator, Ms Phemelo Pule, Convenor and the members are Mr Khupukane Leamo, Mr Mmoloko Mugabe, Mr Modise Howard, Ms Kenanao Virginia, Mr Oteng Khari and Ms Baboloke Tshilisa.

Mildred expressed her gratitude for this launch. “Today has been wonderful, I got to see friends whom I have not seen in ten years. It is important that we keep the CUT flag flying high. We are a family and we will support each other. Our new motto is KEEP THIS ALIVE.”

Caption

The newly elected Gaborone Chapter Leadership and acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Alfred Ngowi (middle of the group).