This year marks 105 years since the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) was established at the University of Pretoria (UP). Since its creation in 1920, the Faculty has become one of Africa’s leading institutions in economic and management sciences, earning numerous accolades and international recognition.

On 27 August, the Faculty hosted a cocktail function for EMS alumni at the Javett-UP Art Centre to celebrate its 105-year legacy, one that has been defined by continuous excellence, success, innovation and impact. The auspicious occasion brought together a diverse group of alumni from various industries and professions.

Professor Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the EMS Faculty, emphasised the importance of celebrating this milestone with graduates, describing them as being integral to the Faculty’s growth, achievements and highly acclaimed international reputation over the years. She highlighted their role in propelling the Faculty’s mission to create meaningful value for society. The event was an opportunity to celebrate their impact and achievements, and honour their contribution in flying the EMS flag high across South Africa and the world.

“Your successes are our pride,” Prof Chitiga-Mabugu said. “We see in you the determination, excellence and resilience that define our Faculty’s spirit.”

This was the Faculty’s second alumni event, following its inaugural alumni gala dinner in October 2024, which aimed to nurture and deepen relationships with EMS graduates and keep them engaged in developments at their academic home. Strengthening alumni engagement has become a core focus of the Faculty’s strategic plan. Following the success of last year’s event, these engagements have translated into meaningful partnerships and tangible impact, Prof Chitiga-Mabugu said.

“For example, to highlight the vital role our alumni play in shaping the future of the Faculty, five of our graduates now serve on the newly established EMS Advisory Board,” she said. “Others are collaborating on research projects with our academic entities; delivering guest lectures; sponsoring key initiatives as well as students; mentoring students to develop them as the next generation of leaders and change-makers; and employing some of our new graduates at their organisations. The most recent funding is a three-year initiative aimed at addressing youth employment, empowerment and education, granted by the Professional Provident Society to the EMS Faculty.”

Speaking at the event, Prof Francis Petersen, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, made an impassioned plea to the alumni, urging them to advance society by contributing to solutions to its most pressing challenges.

“It’s not an easy society we live in, not in South Africa and not globally,” he said. “Geopolitically, economically and socially, these are troubling times. But we can rise above this; history shows we’ve been through many giant storms. Human beings are resilient, and it is incumbent on each one of us to be change-makers in our country and society. There is so much that needs fixing, and it can be disheartening, but there is also so much that can be built on. One of our greatest strengths is our students and you, our alumni. At UP, we regard this as a calling, because the success of one is the success of all, as expressed through the philosophy of ubuntu, which is part of our DNA.”

In his remarks, Prof Petersen encouraged alumni to remain engaged with the Faculty and University through mentorship, internships, alumni initiatives and by supporting the University’s strategic initiatives as key stakeholders at UP.

Among those who have embraced this call is Dr Robert van Eyden, an EMS alumnus who continues to devote his time, expertise and leadership to his alma mater. Dr Van Eyden serves on the UP Council and is chairperson of the EMS Advisory Board. He said he is honoured to serve an institution that has contributed to his success. He stated that a key focus of the Advisory Board will be fundraising for bursaries and infrastructure, enhancing visibility, and strengthening collaborations with public and private sectors. The board also aims to ensure that the EMS academic curriculum aligns with industry standards.

“We need to make sure that our degrees remain relevant and that we future-proof our degrees for our students to be employable and their skills to be relevant within a rapidly changing society,” Dr Van Eyden said.

The event concluded with a cocktail reception on Javett Square, with entertainment by the Tuks Camerata choir, nostalgic reflections, and networking among EMS alumni and staff.