Meet the Khumalo siblings, Sandile and Nozipho, who are thrilled to have obtained their qualifications at the University of Pretoria (UP).

Sandile says that for both him and his sister, furthering their studies at UP was a no-brainer as the institution is one of the best universities in South Africa and the world. He adds that UP was an exciting choice and that it is a dream come true for them to become alumni of such a prestigious institution.

“My education has prepared me for the workplace in various ways,” says Sandile, who graduated with an MBA from UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2023, majoring in Business Administration Management.

“The curriculum’s emphasis on real-world application has provided me with practical skills that I can immediately utilise at work. Through case studies, group projects and meetings with industry experts, I have honed my critical thinking, strategic analysis and problem-solving skills, which are vital in today’s changing business climate.”

Sandile adds that his overall MBA experience at GIBS has not only equipped him with a solid foundation in business fundamentals, but has also sharpened his ability to perform and contribute meaningfully to the workplace. For him, GIBS’s emphasis on thoughtful leadership has been particularly useful.

Sandile and Nozipho Khumalo

“The different leadership modules and consistent theme of using your individual influence to make a difference improved my ability to make informed decisions and negotiate difficult organisational issues.”

Nozipho believes that UP alumni should be role models, and model citizens in their personal life and at work.

“It’s important to participate in lifelong learning and professional development,” she says. “This benefits the individual and the institution. Alumni should promote UP’s reputation and practise the skills they obtained in the broader community.”

Nozipho, who is employed at the Department of Higher Education and Training as a deputy director, graduated from UP with a BEd (Hons) majoring in Teacher Education and Professional Development.

“Education is a basic human right; it assists individuals to build fulfilling lives, to contribute to the world and to alleviate the many socio-economic challenges. Educated communities create empowered citizens who can innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. My dream for South Africa is for more than 90% of its citizens to be literate in any form of education.”

Resilience has been an abiding theme in Nozipho’s life, and this was most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showed her that anything can change at any time.

“As I studied through the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the introduction of remote learning and blended learning, I improved my use of technology,” she recalls. “I transferred to a new directorate; I held the same position, but had different responsibilities, and gained experience in developing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) lecturers. I am now responsible for developing lecturer support systems.

“The experience of studying through the pandemic gave me first-hand experience of distance learning and learning management systems. I am now ensuring that lecturers in TVET colleges are capacitated with these systems. I am more flexible, knowledgeable and intentional in all engagements and tasks, because I am finally doing what I love. This extends to my life – I am happier and more innovative because I am able to contribute to enhancing TVET curriculum delivery.”

Sandile gives thanks to their “strict” parents for having a hand in their achievements

“Our parents were strict but also very supportive when it came to extra-mural activities,” he says. “We were encouraged to explore sport, art and academia equally. Our parents have very different personalities, but both valued education and would do anything in their power for us to excel.”