Prof Thanyani Mariba’s term ends as Campus Rector

NWU Alumni – in a nutshell

Work-life balance important to NWU alumni

Campus Newsletter to Alumni: No 1 August 2015

NWU AlumniNewsletter / Nuusbrief

Message from the Director: Marketing and Communications

NWU Alumni – in a nutshell

Prof Thanyani Mariba’s term ends as Campus Rector

Vice-chancellor addresses concerns about strategy review process and shares his vision for NWU

NWU Vaal Postgraduate Open Day 2015: Explore. Learn. Accomplish

Work-life balance important to NWU alumni

Campus energising its alumni base via social media

We want to hear from YOU!

Table of Contents

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: Marketing and Communications

If ever there was a time to be happy then surely this must be it! Welcome to the very first edition of our Campus Alumni Newsletter. This initiative has been

long overdue, for sure and I regard this as yet another milestone in our Campus’s journey towards excellence.

With this newsletter – which is set to be distributed once a quarter, we aim not only to inform you about recent developments and upcoming events, but also give you an overview of how various alumni have influenced the national and international world.

The newsletter is the result of an amazing culture of teamwork – a character trait that is uniquely part of the NWU Vaal Triangle Campus fabric. We see it in our staff members – be it academic or support, coming together in unison to deliver exceptional teaching-learning practices and support structures. We see it in our students coming together to solve challenges and aid communities in need. We see it as our alumni working together to create and innovate for the sake of the betterment and transformation of lives. We see it when our world-class faculties cross disciplinary boundaries to help solve society’s greatest challenges.

This spirit extends even to the team that publishes this newsletter.

The year 2015 has been dubbed “The year of impact” on the NWU Vaal Triangle Campus and as such I hope that through interventions such as this newsletter, you will be able to see the unique talents and contribution which every NWU alumnus brings to the community. Our alumni make the most of their special knowledge and skills, and excel in widely divergent fields. In turn the University remains a force to be reckoned with within the field of higher education and training – and we continually strive to be the next greatest, fastest, loudest and proudest. Our pay-off line sums it up nicely: It all starts here.

I hope that you enjoy this new communication platform, and that it provides you with a snapshot of the transformative and dynamic ethos of the Campus whilst at the same time filling you with a sense of nostalgia and pride.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Very best regards,

Dear Alumni,Warren Makgowe

Warren Makgowe

NWU Alumni

Director Marketing and Communication Warren.makgowe@nwu.ac.za

Editorial Contributor Annette.willemse@nwu.ac.za

Social Media Coordinator Magdel.vanrensburg@nwu.ac.za

Campus Alumni Relations Officer Alwine.Naude@nwu.ac.za +27(16)910 3520

Lay-out and Design Graphikos Design Studio

THE TEAM

Alwine NaudeWarren Makgowe

NWU Alumni

The members of the newly elected executive committee of the Convocation are, at the back from left, Mr Henk Schalekamp, Mr Bert Sorgdrager, Mr Werner Human and Mr Nelson Mongale. In front from left are Dr Dirk Hermann, Dr Sammy Thekiso, President, Prof Marius Stander, and Adv Marlise Kruger.

NWU ALUMNI – in a nutshellAfter graduating, there are many reasons to stay in touch with your

alma mater. These include being part of a worldwide network of NWU alumni who share your educational background, access to the Alumni Career Portal and opportunities to contribute to the future development of the NWU.

The University has two main channels for interacting with alumni: the Alumni Association and the Convocation.

CONVOCATION

The Convocation is a statuary body of the NWU that promotes the welfare of the University and actively influences its affairs through representation on the NWU Council. Four members of the Council are from the Convocation and are elected for this purpose by the Convocation. The body also works closely with other NWU structures, such as the Alumni Association, with an interest in promoting interaction between the University and its alumni.

Every graduate of the NWU or its predecessors has the right to become a member of the Convocation, to belong to the Convocation, to be nominated to represent the Convocation on Council and to vote for its members on Council. To become a member of the NWU Convocation you have to formally apply with the official application form and pay the membership fee. Professor Marius Stander is currently representing the Campus as a member of the executive committee of the Convocation.

NWU Alumni

Front: Ms Susan van Rooyen (Alumni Officer: Mafikeng Campus), Adv André May (representing the Potchefstroom Campus Alumni), Mr Bert Sorgdrager (Chairperson), Ms Bo Mahole (representing the Mafikeng Campus Alumni).

Back: Me Abigail Leshope (standing in as Alumni Officer for Ms Yolandi Haasbroek for the Potchefstroom Campus), Mr Heinrich Kriel (representing the Vaal Triangle Campus Alumni) and Ms Alwine Naude (Alunmi Officer Vaal Triangle Campus).

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The NWU Alumni Association is a wing of the Convocation and promotes lifelong links between alumni and the University. The Association has an Alumni Office on each of the three campuses. These offices arrange alumni gatherings, from reunions to golf days, and keep members informed about key University developments.

NWU VAAL ALUMNI ADVISORY COMMITTEE

As from April 2012 the Vaal Triangle Campus boasts with an Alumni Advisory Committee. This committee – a first for the NWU, consists of 16 members and is chaired by Mr Heinrich Kriel.

The members of the committee are all part of the NWU Vaal’s influential alumni network and they occupy key corporate, industry, government and community leadership roles. The aim of the committee is to ensure a strong and meaningful network for all graduates that will deliver a range of alumni services and benefits. The latter will give way to mutually beneficial lifelong relationships and professional networking opportunities.

The current committee is made up of the following alumni members:

Name Company

Mr Heinrich Kriel Oakleaf Consultancy

Mr Cassie Vorster Eligwa Primary School

Mr Johan Henning Johan H Consulting

Mr Ben Stander DF Malherbe Primary School

Mr Corrie Botha Nampak Bevcan

Mr Jan Vorster Vereeniging Multi Franchise

Mr Silvanus Welcome NWU Vaal (Fundraiser)

Ms Alwine Naude NWU Vaal (Alumni Coordinator)

Ms Annette Willemse NWU Vaal (Corporate Communications)

Prof Marius Stander Industrial Psychologist

Mr Warren Makgowe NWU Vaal (Director: Marketing and Communication)

Ms Retha Fitchat Senior Editor: Media 24

Ms Pat Matla TKT Consultancy

Mr Ramosebi Morabe Sasol Technology

Mr Vincent Kheswa Standard Bank

Mr Sandile Khwela HR Executive: AfriSam

NWU Alumni

Click here to see more photo’s of Prof Mariba during his term as rector

The term of office of Prof Thanyani Mariba, Rector of the North-West University’s (NWU) Vaal Triangle Campus, ended

on 30 June 2015.

Consequently, the NWU Council decided at its meeting on 19 June that the process to appoint a new Campus Rector for the Vaal Triangle Campus must immediately be set in motion. In terms of the statute, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, as Chief Accounting and Administrative Officer will see to the management of the Campus until the process has been finalised.

In light of the fact that the committee investigating the possible establishment of a medical school for the NWU was headed by Prof Mariba and has not yet concluded its work, Prof Mariba will be appointed on a temporary fixed-term contract for six months as Director: Special Projects to conclude the investigation to determine the feasibility of the establishment of a medical school.

Prof Mariba was appointed as campus rector in November 2009. He has played a major role in steering the Vaal Triangle Campus to a better development trajectory and has done wonderful work to promote excellence at the Campus. Adv Johan Kruger, chairperson of the NWU Council, and Prof Dan Kgwadi have expressed their appreciation for Prof Mariba’s role in positioning the NWU as one of the leading universities in South Africa.

To read more about Prof Mariba’s farewell, visit the Vaal Triangle Campus Newsroom.

PROF THANYANI MARIBA’S term ends as Campus Rector

NWU Alumni

Vice-chancellor addresses concerns about strategy review process and shares his vision for NWUMuch has been written and said about the North-West University (NWU)

recently. Unfortunately not all comments were well-informed or constructive. As we are at a crucial phase in the relatively short history of the NWU, I here wish to offer some perspectives, including clarity on my own position.

A RECAP OF WHY WE ARE ENGAGED IN A STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

The North-West University engaged in a major internationally led evaluation in 2013/14 to assess to what extent the merger objectives and the mission of the NWU had been achieved in its first decade. This evaluation was initiated by my predecessor, Dr Theuns Eloff.

The outcome of that evaluation indicated that, while the NWU was performing very well in certain areas, there was a need to revisit its strategic direction to address some shortcomings in other areas. This evaluation and other documents provided important input into the process to establish a new vision, mission and strategic agenda for the NWU.

After 10 years it was inevitable and necessary that we review our strategy. No organisation can survive and grow without introspection and new plans for the future.

We are also faced with the need to prepare in good time a five-year strategic plan as well as the annual performance plan for 2016 for submission to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, as required by regulation. The deadline for this is 15 December 2015.

This reality underlines the fact that we are not an island. We are part of a broader tertiary landscape with commitments to various stakeholders.

My appointment as vice-chancellor last year presented us with an opportunity to continue with incisive strategic evaluation and, eventually, a cohesive plan and the necessary steps to take the university to the next level. In fact, my appointment was predicated on the assumption that I had to lead, develop and transform the university. This is expected of me by the university Council, who appointed me. I am totally committed to performing these tasks.

NWU TO BUILD FORTH ON A DECADE OF SUBSTANTIAL SUCCESS

Before I say more about the strategic process, I must stress that we have made substantial progress during the decade since the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of North West. There can be no doubt that all our campuses have excelled in many different ways. Of this we can all be very proud.

NWU Alumni

Notwithstanding, I have to point out that we will not be regarded as a leading institution without a more committed approach to transformation. This is specifically true regarding the growth of the university into a more unitary institution. It is not merely about structures, but being a beacon of hope at a time when we as a country need vision.

It is a moral issue as it impacts on how people are treated, how they view themselves and to what extent they are empowered. It is about the NWU being an institution of moral courage and humanity.

STRATEGIC TEAM TO GUIDE THE WAY FORWARD

With this in mind, a strategic team was formed. The team includes the three campus rectors and five vice-rectors together with the institutional management. Furthermore, I insisted that consultation should be widespread and inclusive, which was done. The result was a process that was both public and confidential. This presented its own challenges as critics demanded a plan, but that was the whole point of the process: to build a plan through an inclusive process.

While I encouraged inputs from different stakeholders, I had to give direction, which I did. Therefore I said from the outset that a very important outcome was that the strategy must lead us to a unitary university with an integrated university culture – one university with three campuses, which are socially integrated, with an equitable allocation and provision of resources. In plain language: all three campuses had to receive a fair share of the cake.

I also envisioned that we become an instrument of social change and transformation in the country. I reiterate this fundamental vision today. I also stated that we had to pay attention to our core activities of teaching-learning and research, which should inform our on-going social responsibility activities. We should continue to conduct our core activities at a high standard and in a nationally responsive and accountable manner. This remains non-negotiable.

In a nutshell: we have to function as a unitary, multi-campus university that is fully integrated and enabled to address equity, redress, alignment and globally competitive teaching and research across all NWU campuses.

We must have a unity of purpose, a common identity, core values which distinguish our staff and students, and a monolithic brand position in the market. I want to manage and lead one university that is seen and experienced as one.

How this should be done, has been fleshed out by the strategic team. As could be expected, some disagreement have arisen, but this must be managed. As the chairperson of the NWU Council stated last week: Polarisation and debate by media have hindered the process. I fully support his remarks and plea for an atmosphere of calm debate, particularly after the strategic plan has been presented to Council on 21 August.

The work of the strategy team is conducted on the premise that the NWU should become a vehicle of academic excellence and social justice. This is certainly my vision for the NWU.

NWU Alumni

More on the strategic process:

MY VISION FOR THE NWU

What my vision does not support is that tuition in Afrikaans at the Potchefstroom Campus should be curtailed. Or that Afrikaans-speaking students should feel less welcome on the Potchefstroom Campus. This is not my view or intention. Those who insist on painting a gloomy picture of the future of the Potchefstroom Campus as such and the NWU as a whole, are simply misguided. I want all students to feel welcome on all campuses.

I have great empathy for those who fear a loss of culture or language when campuses become more inclusive. However, I urge all concerned to accept that we, as a university, have an obligation, an ethical obligation, to provide an environment in which students as young adults can learn to live with people from other cultures, races, languages, and religions.

I believe that we cannot entertain structures and traditions that undermine social cohesion and human rights. This will be to our own detriment in the long run.

As an idealist, I dream of the day when the three campuses are not defined by demographics, but by a common purpose of inclusive excellence. The intellectual climate at the NWU should be open and stimulating. Curricula should reflect the full world of ideas. Our framework should include the whole of South Africa as a developing country and further afield.

Notwithstanding concerted attempts at disinformation and vilification, I believe more and more members of the NWU are prepared to accept this optimistic view of the future. I am encouraged by the goodwill and support of students and staff on all campuses, alumni and other stakeholders.

These supporters of an excellent, inclusive NWU are people of substance who have firm views and beliefs. They cherish their own heritage and identities and those of others. They are positive and excited about the future. They invigorate me and confirm that a huge reservoir of goodwill is waiting to be tapped.

I want to assure everyone that I am resolute in my commitment to this inclusive ideal. Together with all stakeholders, including students and staff on the three campuses and at the Institutional Office, we will succeed. I invite all concerned to join me on this journey.

* Earlier in the year the Vice-chancellor had a meeting with the NWU Vaal Alumni Advisory Committee regarding the strategic review process.

NWU Alumni

NWU Vaal Postgraduate Open Day 2015 EXPLORE. LEARN. ACCOMPLISH

The Vaal Triangle Campus hosted its first-ever Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday 15 August 2015.

The importance of postgraduate study in South Africa has been highlighted on several occasions and by various key role players. The National Development Plan (NDP, 2012) serves as such an example. According to the NDP the country is set to increase the number of doctorates from 1 400 per year nationally to 6 000 by 2030. The latter poses a significant challenge for Higher Education in South Africa, and as the North-West University we eagerly embrace this challenge.

According to Prof Linda du Plessis, Vice-Rector of the NWU Vaal, postgraduate study can prove to be an exciting route to advancing within the sphere of an existing career as well as opening up new employment opportunities. “I believe that this event and your interest in furthering your studies will not

only contribute towards the strengthening of our research capacity, but will also aid in producing the advanced skills that our country so desperately needs,” says Prof Du Plessis.

NWU POSTGRADUATE OPEN DAYS

On the 15th of August all three campuses of the North-West University (NWU) hosted postgraduate open days and during these not-to-be-missed events, prospective postgraduate students could familiarise themselves with the University’s framework for training, study support, and career preparation. “Whether you are new to the NWU or already a student of one of our campuses, the Postgraduate Open Day is an ideal opportunity to learn more about our postgraduate offerings, our research capabilities, and to meet our highly-sought after staff and current students,” explains Prof Du Plessis.

Prof Linda du Plessis

NWU Alumni

WORK-LIFE BALANCE important to NWU alumni

To enjoy work-life balance is the most important long-term career goal for alumni from the North-West University (NWU). This is according to the

outcomes of a global Universum Student Survey which saw more than 44 640 South African students being interviewed. The survey was conducted during the latter half of 2014

Work-life balance is one of the most discussed topics in today’s corporate environment with some experts arguing that it is vital to the overall success of any business or industry. In essence the concept of work-life balance can be defined as the positive relationship between work and other equally important activities in life which include family leisure and relaxation. When a person’s level of work-life balance satisfaction is increased, he/she will benefit mentally and physically, which will, in turn, cause the following benefits:• Individuals are more responsive and can easily function in their work

environment as well as apply themselves fully to other aspects of their life like family commitments and community engagement activities.

• Self-esteem increases.• Employee-Employer relations will increase.• Productivity increases – which in turn affects the financial bottom-line of the

business or industry in a positive manner.• Decrease in absenteeism.• Individual fulfilment.

According to the report the University’s alumni fraternity is made-up of 48% males and 52% females with an average age of 37 years. It furthermore states that on average, a typical member of the NWU alumni fraternity has an average of 10.8 years of working experience whilst the average current annual salary is set at R417 901.

The top three most representative industries – in terms of alumni employment, are ranked as:1. Educational and Scientific Institutions2. Public Sector and Government Agencies3. Auditing and Accounting.

In terms of work experience distribution, the survey reflected the following trends:• 0-3 years: 31%• 4-9 years: 28%• 10-24 years: 25%• 25 years and more: 16%

The importance of the Young Alumni movement is highlighted by the above mentioned statistics since they make-up the majority of the alumni fraternity.

Overall, the following employment dynamics are evident within the University’s alumni fraternity:• Competitively based salary brackets.• Continued professional training and development.• Leadership and mentoring.• Creativity and stimulating work tenet – despite challenging and highly

competitive work environments.

MORE ABOUT UNIVERSUM SURVEYSWith over 25 years of experience researching the field of employer branding, Universum is a recognised world leader with tried and tested frameworks. The company annually conducts quantitative and qualitative research with over 700 000 talented individuals worldwide to gather insights into their career preferences, communication habits and their perception of potential employers.

NWU Alumni

How actively involved are you with your alma mater? For most alumni, the answer is “not very.” The Alumni Office on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the

North-West University (NWU) is working to fix this.

There are 11,8 million Facebook users in South Africa according to the latest results from Wide Worx and Fuseware’s SA Social Media Landscape 2015 report. The report furthermore states that Facebook is the first high-tech service or platform in South Africa which has seen an exactly equal take-up by males and females. According to Mike Wronski, managing director of the analytics company Fuseware, the Facebook user base is mirroring the South African urban population with the highest growth in the user base seen in three key economic hubs, namely: Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. With this in mind, the Alumni Office of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) is busy with a concerted effort to energise its alumni base via this popular social media platform.

According to Alwine Naude, alumni coordinator, there is no better way to keep up with what’s happening at the NWU or in the lives of alumni members, than by using Facebook as a communication platform. “At the Vaal Triangle Campus we are proud of our alumni and we want to cherish the strong connection between

graduates and their alma mater,” says Alwine and explains that Facebook offers alumni unlimited opportunities. “By connecting to our virtual network you can build your career connection and skills, find friends – old and new, join us for special events and even give back to the university.” Through our Facebook page we aim to unlock, organise, and make accessible the substantial value of good alumni relations.

WHY YOU SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ALUMNI NETWORK

“Networking is the name of the game, and it is important that we step out of the conventional process of merely swopping out business cards,” says Alwine and adds that typically, alumni are more receptive to fellow graduates and therefore a platform such as Facebook provides an ideal hub from which information can be shared. This instant interaction allows young alumni members to, for example, jumpstart their career by connecting with alumni and through informal interaction learn more about their field of interest and potential opportunities.

Other advantages of a communal hub such as Facebook, is that it allows alumni to stay connected with classmates and friends. Through the sharing of stories, pictures and videos alumni are able to relive their student experience and, according to Alwine, it allows for cross generational dialogue and interaction.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

If you just graduated from university or if you joined the campus way back in 1963, you are invited to contact Alwine on 016 910 3250 or send her an e-mail at alwine.naude@nwu.ac.za You should also “Like us” on Facebook (NWU Vaal Alumni) to connect with other members of the alumni fraternity, and to be the first to hear about alumni events and programs.

Campus energising its alumni base via social media

NWU Alumni

We want to hear from YOU!

To join our alumni fraternity, please complete our online registration form

We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. Please forward any alumni related news, questions and comments to Annette

Please like our Facebook page and pay it forward by inviting your former classmates and peers to join in the alumni conversation

For up-to-the-minute news, visit our virtual newsroom

Revisit your alma mater by taking our virtual campus tour

NWU Alumni