WSU CONVOCATION PRESIDENT DR LUNGA MANTASHE ELECTED FIRST PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ALUMNI BODY

A historic moment for South Africa’s higher education alumni structures unfolded in Kimberly when Walter Sisulu University Convocation President, Dr Lunga Mantashe, was elected the first-ever president of the newly established Association of University Convocations (AUC).

The landmark election took place during the association’s inaugural Annual General Meeting and National Conference, hosted at Sol Plaatje University on Friday, 6 March. The gathering brought together convocation representatives from universities across the country under the theme “Building a Unified National Convocation Platform for Good Governance, Transformation and Institutional Sustainability.”

Opening the proceedings, the university’s Registrar, Dr Jody Cedras, described the formation of the AUC as a significant milestone for the higher education sector.

“The establishment of the Association of University Convocations marks an important moment for the higher education sector. It creates a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and reflection on how alumni and convocation bodies can support the mission of our universities and contribute to the broader development of our country,” said Cedras.

Vision of Unity and Independence

For Mantashe, whose advocacy played a central role in the formation of the AUC, the moment marked both a culmination and a new beginning. Having previously served as the association’s inaugural convenor and overseen the constitution of its first AGM, he assumed the presidency with a message centred on unity, independence, and collective responsibility.

“We have volunteered to be here; no one was coerced,” he said, encouraging members to foster a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.

He also stressed the importance of safeguarding the association’s independence.

“This is not a political party, but a movement that must remain independent from undue influence. We do not want it to be hijacked or captured by particular interests,” said Mantashe.

He reminded delegates that the association's work was only beginning.

“The work of this association doesn’t end at the election,” he said. “It actually begins for all of us beyond this point.”

Addressing Higher Education Challenges

The conference also provided a platform for discussion on the systemic challenges facing South Africa’s universities.

Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, urged convocations to take a more proactive role in addressing issues affecting students and institutions.

He highlighted the persistent burden of student debt as one of the sector’s most pressing challenges and encouraged alumni bodies to help mobilise resources.

“We must begin to raise funds and explore partnerships with the private sector,” Letsie said, suggesting that convocations could assist universities in developing innovative financial solutions for students facing financial hardship.

Letsie also pointed to the growing shortage of student accommodation nationwide, a challenge that continues to place significant pressure on both institutions and students.

A New Chapter for University Convocations

With representatives from universities across the country gathered under one roof, the establishment of the AUC signals the emergence of a unified national voice for university convocations.

In his closing address, Mantashe outlined an ambitious programme to consolidate the organisation and strengthen the role of convocations within South Africa’s higher education landscape.

Among the priorities announced was the convening of a Constitutional Review Summit to refine and strengthen the governance framework of the newly formed association. He also emphasised the need for broader representation within convocation leadership, particularly in relation to geographic diversity and gender inclusion.

The AUC, he said, would further engage with key challenges affecting graduates and institutions, including graduate debt and ongoing debates about curriculum relevance.

Mantashe revealed that the association would soon initiate formal engagements with the national government to secure recognition and establish a working relationship with policymakers.

“We will be engaging with the minister and the portfolio head to ensure the recognition of this body,” he said.

At the heart of the association’s long-term vision, he added, is the unification of convocation bodies across all South African universities under a single collaborative platform, one capable of strengthening governance, enhancing institutional accountability, and advancing the sustainability of the country’s higher education system.

By Thando Cezula