DR IRENE MOHASOA APPOINTED DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SAASSAP

WSU’s Executive Director for Student Affairs, Dr Irene Mohasoa has been appointed as the Deputy president of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP) for the 2025 to 2028 term.

SAASSAP is the representative professional body for senior student affairs leaders across South African higher education institutions.

Secretary General of SAASSAP Dr Bernard Sebake said that the appointment recognised Mohasoa’s distinguished leadership in the sector, her solid commitment to student development, and her capacity to shape the strategic direction of the Association at both national and international levels.

Mohasoa joins a cohort of leaders responsible for heading the National Executive Committee, representing the profession in national policy dialogues, and spearheading initiatives that address systematic challenges facing South African universities.

“We are deeply grateful to WSU for supporting her candidacy and for enabling her to assume this role of influence. Her presidency will undoubtedly serve not only the Association but also your institution, which will be prominently positioned within a network of sector-wide leadership, collaboration, and innovation,” said Sebake.

As second in command, Mohasoa will work alongside the association’s president, Jerome September, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Witwatersrand, as well as leadership comprising colleagues from other South African universities such as UFH and UKZ.

“This election stands as a profound honour and a reflection of my unwavering commitment to advancing student development. On a personal level, it affirms my lifelong passion for fostering the holistic growth of students, which I believe is crucial for their success. Professionally, this role offers a pivotal opportunity to influence and enhance student affairs practices across the nation, thereby contributing to the transformation of the higher education landscape,” declared Mohasoa.

Going into this pivotal role, Mohasoa is committed to championing student wellbeing, inclusivity, and the creation of supportive environments that allow every student to thrive. She aims to foster collaboration across institutions while ensuring that policies remain firmly centred on the needs and aspirations of students.

“I aspire to leave a transformative legacy characterised by establishing enhanced student support services that are comprehensive and accessible across member institutions. I also plan to build a strengthened network of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among student affairs professionals, fostering a community of practice that thrives on mutual growth,” said Mohasoa.

During her three-year tenure, Mohasoa also aspires to advance inclusive student support, strengthen collaboration among professionals, and ensure that student needs remain central in higher education policy.

By Yanga Ziwele