“When you complete your degree, you will be well rounded and able to face the world with confidence,” says University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Susan Sithole, an information service delivery specialist at Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore, of her experience at UP.

And it looks likely that her two sons will follow in their mother’s professional footsteps: one graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) this year, while the other embarked on his studies in the faculty. In 2013, Sithole graduated with a master’s degree in Information Technology from UP; her eldest son, Lonestar Gonde, graduated this year with a BEng in Chemical Engineering; while her other son, Lesley Gonde, is in his first year of studying BEng in Mechanical Engineering.

Sithole says that the EBIT faculty’s facilities and teaching practice readied her for the world of work. “The labs and the technology used are modern,” she says. “And the information being disseminated to students is relevant to South African industries and beyond. UP teaches students to be entrepreneurs and researchers.”

Based on the education she received at UP, Sithole says she can do independent research with minimal dependence, which is how her qualification sets her apart from other graduates. “UP prepared me to do independent research on technology trends, as well as benchmark our technology globally and tie it to my current workplace.”

Her son Lonestar has closed one chapter and is looking forward to the next. He believes that one of the biggest roles that alumni play in furthering the development of their alma mater is through mentoring students who are currently enrolled at the University. For Lesley, who is passionate about renewable energy, being admitted to UP to study Mechanical Engineering was a highlight. Though, COVID-19 has dealt a bit of a blow to his excitement over campus life. “The lowlight was that I haven’t been able to be on campus – I do not know what the UP campus looks like inside,” he says. “I also do not know my lecturers and my fellow students on a more personal level. And it is difficult to study as a group using the online system.”  

Sithole, however, is grateful that with the help of technology, Lesley has been able to continue with this studies despite the difficulties that have come with the pandemic. “I was very happy when UP managed to do virtual learning,” she says. Life has been challenging but manageable, she adds, as people at her company could work from home. “It is something that used to be viewed as impossible, but technology made it possible.”