University of Johannesburg: UJ delegations visit Zimbabwe and Palestine to strengthen partnerships
In line with the Fundraising Strategy and Roadmap to garner support for resources from industry, local and international communities, alumni and philanthropists, the Division for Internationalisation and the Development and Fundraising Office, coordinated a fundraising initiative in Zimbabwe from the 26th to 27th of May. The purpose of the trip was to engage with Zimbabwean corporates to identify funding opportunities for students, industry research collaboration and human capital development. The team met with the CEO’s and Heads of Corporate Affairs of Delta Corporation, National Foods, BancABC, TM PnP and CBZ Holdings.
On the 27th of May, the Alumni Office launched its Zimbabwean Alumni Chapter. This is the first Alumni Chapter to be launched in Africa, the delegation included the Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics Prof Daneel Van Lill, The President of Convocation Prof Boitumelo Diale and other UJ colleagues. The aim of the alumni chapter is to reconnect and broaden the network with alma mater and friends in order to explore mutually beneficial areas for collaboration while preserving the brand and stature of the University.
“The SADC region is extremely important to UJ with the largest cohort of international students coming from Zimbabwe. Part of UJ’s Pan African focus is to foster and enhance its relationship with universities and business in the region which benefit not only the universities and countries in question but the broader African continent,” said Ms Ntombise Mangqase, Director: Fundraising and Administration, Division for Internationalisation.
UJ visit to Birzeit University, Palestine
UJ colleagues, Ms Anisa Khan, Director: Academic Services, Division for Internationalisation and Dr Mohamed Shaid Mathee, Senior Lecturer: Department of Religion Studies, Faculty of Humanities attended an International Staff Training Week from the 23rd to 27th May at Birzeit University, Palestine.
The main purpose of the training week was to welcome colleagues and international partners for a week of presentations and discussions on a wide range of issues important to Birzeit University and their partners which included ERASMUS + and other bilateral agreements. Participants shared their knowledge and experience, discussed opportunities for mutual future collaboration, and gained an in-depth knowledge of Palestine and its language and culture. The program included a series of thematic workshops, lectures, reflections on the Erasmus + ICM students and staff mobility, success stories, and examples of good practices in teaching and training.
In terms of the UJ and Birzeit University partnership, discussions focused on developing academic links across thematic research clusters and to explore the development of a joint short learning programme. The collaboration also aims to support student mobility focusing on both the academic and cultural components. Further to the above, staff mobility and the development of joint funding were also discussed with a commitment to take discussions forward at senior university level.
A highlight for the UJ colleagues was the tour of historical landmarks and culturally rich areas of Palestine which provided a greater appreciation and understanding of Palestine. The City of Ramallah and the City of Johannesburg are also “twin” cities and it is with pride that the group visited Nelson Mandela Square in Ramallah.
“South Africa and Palestine have a strong and unshakeable partnership which extends itself into the education sector. The relationship between UJ and Birzeit University reinforces this commitment and we look forward to expanding our strategic collaboration into areas which benefit both universities and broader societies,” said Ms Anisa Khan.