Father and son attribute professional success to their time at UP

Posted on April 24, 2023

University of Pretoria (UP) accounting graduate Reitumetse Manasoe and his father, Dr Benjamin Manasoe, a UP alumnus, are on the same page when it comes to recognising what has made them future-fit professionals: the experience of having studied at UP.

“Getting my qualification at UP was a transformative experience that equipped me with valuable academic and professional skills and knowledge,” said Reitumetse, who will be graduating with a BCom degree in Accounting Sciences during the 2023 autumn graduation sessions. “I have developed stronger critical-thinking skills, as well as time management, communication and collaboration skills, and I am confident that my time at the University has prepared me for success in all aspects of my life.”

His father felt the same way when he obtained his BCom (hons) in Economics from UP back in 2000.

“UP prepared me to be among the best change-makers in the local economic development spectrum where I head up the Economic Development Division of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality,” said Dr Manasoe, who is also a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology.

Reitumetse is particularly proud of having persevered through a disruptive past three years and completing his studies in good time.

“Studying through the COVID-19 pandemic and loadshedding disrupted my study routine,” he said. “The power outages forced me to find alternative ways to study in the dark. But these disruptive situations have taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and resilience, which I believe will benefit me in the future.”

He added that his degree has already opened doors for him.

“I have been given the opportunity to commence my South African Institute of Chartered Accountants articles without completing my postgraduate diploma, which is not common.”

Dr Manasoe has also benefitted from being a UP graduate.

“It was an easy decision for my son to follow in my footsteps, because he knows that UP is ranked among the top universities in South Africa and offers high-quality education,” Dr Manasoe said. “It is incredible how a qualification from UP can open doors for one out there.”

He said the highlight of his career was in 2020, when the National Treasury invited metropolitan municipalities to submit proposals for the City Public Employment Programme and the City of Tshwane was awarded R146 million in 2021/22 and R140 million in 2022/23 to create job opportunities for unemployed youth.

“More than 12 000 unemployed youth in Tshwane benefitted from the programme to date,” Dr Manasoe said.

As for his alma mater, he believes that by sharing UP’s achievements, programmes and values with their networks, alumni can increase the institution’s reputation and visibility.

Dr Manasoe advises students and graduates that discipline is required to be successful, and that it does not happen overnight.

“Perseverance, hard work and dedication are key ingredients of success,” he said.

- Author Xolani Mathibela

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