University of the Western Cape Hosts Historic Alumni Event in Durban
It was a crisp Wednesday morning in Durban as the University of the Western Cape (UWC) stepped out of its Bellville headquarters to host its first-ever Alumni Engagement Breakfast in the region. The Coastlands Conference Centre in Umhlanga provided a picturesque ocean view for the event.
Alumni from various graduating classes, spanning several decades, were warmly greeted by UWC’s Institutional Advancement team. The venue was alive with excitement and nostalgia as old friends reconnected and new acquaintances were made.
Former UWC Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Jairam Reddy, was also in attendance – serving as a testament to the strong bond that UWC alumni share, despite the years and kilometres that separate them.
Professor Anesh Singh, Director of Institutional Advancement, opened the event with an update on the University’s progress in learning and teaching, research and innovation, community engagement, and infrastructural developments. Professor Singh highlighted the importance of the UWC Legacy Fund and the crucial role that alumni play in ensuring its success for future generations of UWC students.
The current Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Veerasamy Yengopal, shared his vision for the faculty. He spoke passionately about the impact UWC and a reimagined faculty would have on the University and the future sustainability.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Thando Mjebeza, CEO of Zimele Technologies and a major donor to the University, provided insights into the uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He said AI is here to stay and has been used in various forms long before it became a buzzword.
“UWC didn’t just give us an education, it gave us a purpose,” he said, adding that UWC was the birthplace of Zimele Technologies while he worked as a tutor at the University. As Mjebeza concluded his speech, his words were received with rapturous applause. The shared sense of pride was palpable.
In one corner, a group of dentistry alumni gathered and reminisced about their days on campus. They also shared stories of late-night study sessions, favourite professors, and memorable moments that had defined their university experience. Across the room, another group discussed current projects and potential collaborations, illustrating the professional network that had stemmed from their shared UWC roots.
As the morning drew to a close, Mr Niven Maree, Manager of UWC’s Alumni Relations Office, thanked everyone for attending and emphasised the importance of staying connected and encouraging alumni to engage with the University’s ongoing initiatives.
“Today is only the first step in growing a community of alumni in the region. Only through a collaborative effort from our alumni can we build a legacy of excellence and make a positive impact in our university and communities,” he said.
The event concluded with a group photo, capturing the smiles and shared sense of belonging among the attendees. Walking away from the engagement, the alumni felt a renewed sense of pride and commitment to their alma mater and each other.
The breakfast had not only rekindled old friendships but also forged new connections, promising a vibrant and engaged alumni community for years to come.