The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted faculty graduates for a memorable evening at its inaugural alumni dinner.

The event, which took place on 24 October at the Javett Art Centre at UP, brought together EMS graduates from various industries and fields to reconnect with their alma mater and to network with fellow alumni. It aimed to nurture existing alumni relationships and foster new, long-lasting ones with EMS graduates, who are important stakeholders of the faculty. The evening also provided an opportunity for alumni to meet UP’s new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, who began his term of office in October.

For many alumni, it was a nostalgic return to the University, having last set foot on campus at graduation. They received a warm welcome back with an electrifying performance by the UP Cultural Ensemble, which created a lively atmosphere for guests to reminisce about their days as students. The performance was followed by a tour of the gold treasures of the Mapungubwe Collection housed at the Javett Art Centre.

Contributing to faculty success

For more than a century, the EMS Faculty has produced graduates who are creating value in society and making strides in their respective industries. The success of EMS alumni is an immense source of pride for the faculty, said Dean Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu during her welcome address.

“We take great pride in the swift integration of many of our graduates into industry, where they are steadily advancing in various sectors,” Prof Chitiga-Mabugu said. “We’re also aware of your remarkable achievements and contributions, which are having a positive impact on societies. Some of the motivations for inviting you to this dinner are to rekindle our relationship, strengthen the collaborations we have established over the years and foster new ones.”

She added that alumni have played their part in the success of the faculty through their contributions and achievements, noting that: “When you succeed, we succeed.”

EMS alumni, Nokumuka Libisi, Olga Hattingh, Karabo Zonke

Prof Chitiga-Mabugu highlighted that the EMS Faculty is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is renowned for its excellence in several subject areas such as economics and econometrics, business, accounting and finance, having received international recognition for them in the QS World University Rankings by Subject and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.

“None of our achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of our alumni community,” she said. “Your contributions – whether through mentorship, partnerships or financial support – continue to shape the future of our institution. Over the years, your generosity has funded scholarships, expanded internship programmes and built innovative learning hubs that have an impact not only on our students but also on the broader community.”

Collaboration for societal impact

Prof Petersen stressed the importance of strengthening relationships with alumni to foster impactful collaborations that can steer positive change in society.

“Ultimately the question we should ask is: why does the University exist?” said Prof Petersen, calling on alumni to join hands with UP to deepen its impact on society. “Why does the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences exist? If we do not contribute through our existence to change the lives of people, we should ask why we exist in the first place. For that, we will need to work together.”

He stated that alumni are instrumental in shaping the future of UP and propelling its vision. “We cannot achieve what we want to achieve without your partnership, without your involvement in the faculty and the University. We are in the process of developing a new strategy for UP, and part of the process is to be inclusive in terms of our engagement. We would love to hear the voices of our alumni as we engage in developing that strategy.”

Reiterating Prof Petersen’s sentiments, Dr Samantha Castle, UP Senior Alumni Relations Manager, noted the vital role of alumni in strengthening the institution’s excellence.

“As alumni of one of the top academic institutions in our country and on the continent, we have so much to celebrate,” said Dr Castle, who is also an alumnus of the EMS Faculty. “But to maintain our institution’s academic excellence, we need your continued support. You are not just a part of our past but vital to our present and future. The knowledge, achievements and wisdom you’ve gained showcase the strength of this institution. Our successes inspire current students, our networks open doors and create opportunities for others, and our support propels growth and innovation.”

A profession with a purpose

One such proud alumna is Izak Smit who, through his company’s contribution, has unlocked opportunities for others and supported UP. He delivered a speech at the dinner about his involvement with the University and the EMS Faculty. 

Smit graduated with a BCom (Hons) in Economics with distinction in 2001. From his days as a student and, later, as a lecturer, he’s come full circle with UP and has a great affinity with it. Today, he is the proud father of two sons who are studying at his alma mater.

Emphasising the University’s tagline – “Make today matter” – Smit highlighted how he, as CEO of the Professional Provident Society (PPS), embodies this concept.

“Our purpose at PPS is to help our graduate professional members to live better lives – the lives they want to live, from a financial perspective, but also in terms of success and being happy,” Smit said. “My business goal is to do this at scale, to create platforms that will help individuals achieve their goals, to grow, to plan better and to live life to the fullest. It’s very important to connect your profession with purpose. This is what my job at PPS offers. Success in executive business jobs is not only measured in numbers but also by the impact on human lives.”

PPS has sponsored research chairs and laboratories at UP and awarded bursaries. The company also contributed to the refurbishment of the EMS Research Hub and Student Administration Offices and has sponsored prizes for EMS Research Day and for top marketing students in the faculty.

Prof Karin Barac, Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Affairs in the faculty, expressed her gratitude to all the alumni who honoured the invitation, noting that the dinner would not have been possible without them. “Your presence here tonight reaffirms the powerful bond between our alumni and UP. Thank you for staying connected, for your support, and for being such remarkable ambassadors of the EMS Faculty.”