After an illustrious career spanning a decade, senior development specialist Ella Nyakunu is bidding farewell to the University of Pretoria (UP). With a wealth of experience and an inspiring journey, she reflects on her path and imparts valuable insights to aspiring professionals.

Nyakunu’s professional story began in the dairy industry, where she dedicated 18 years to quality assurance, rising from quality controller to regional manager at Dairibord Zimbabwe. After obtaining a BSc in Agriculture (Hons) from the University of Zimbabwe, followed by an MSc in Food Science and Technology, she went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from Nottingham Trent University, among various other qualifications.

“I am a scientist and technocrat at heart,” Nyakunu says. “My career in quality assurance pushed me to explore further studies in areas that would elevate my role in management.”

Her career path took a new turn when she first joined the UK’s Department for International Development in Harare as an independent consultant. Nyakunu then emigrated to South Africa and joined CIDA City Campus in Johannesburg as a project manager. With a wealth of expertise, she was well positioned for her next role at UP.

At the University, Nyakunu initially managed a European Union-funded postgraduate programme for the Southern African Development Community region under the African Centre for Gene Technology. The institution’s global engagement and commitment to education resonated deeply with her values, making Pretoria a natural fit and offering a more peaceful environment compared to Johannesburg.

As a senior development specialist, her primary focus was fundraising – securing bursaries, research grants and institutional funding. She navigated engagements with corporate donors, international foundations and key stakeholders, ensuring that students and research projects received crucial financial support.

For those looking to excel in fundraising, Nyakunu highlights patience, persistence and a firm belief in the mission.

“Fundraising is all about people,” she advises. “You need to combine charm, persuasion and a thorough understanding of your cause to gain support.”

One of her greatest joys has been witnessing the impact of her work.

“The moment you receive that cheque, knowing that it will change a student’s future, is priceless. I have lost count of how many lives I’ve helped through bursaries,” she shares with pride.

Despite the rewards, fundraising comes with its challenges.

“People are complex, and each donor is unique,” she explains. “The key is to treat everyone as an individual and build meaningful relationships.”

Her ability to forge strong connections with donors has been a cornerstone of her success. Beyond her professional commitments, Nyakunu enjoys travelling, reading, watching films and walking. A lesser-known fact about her? She prefers the tranquillity of nature over the distractions of social media.

As she steps into retirement, she looks forward to a well-earned break. Her plans include travel, relaxation and volunteering in the humanitarian sector. Her legacy of leadership, perseverance and meaningful impact will continue to inspire long after she departs UP. The University bids farewell to an exceptional professional whose influence has shaped the lives of many.

Quick quiz:

Sport: Formula 1, athletics

Food: Seafood, Chinese

Movies: Kramer vs Kramer, Titanic, Chariots of Fire, Gandhi

Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, the late James Earl Jones, Sir Ben Kinsley

Musician: Oliver Mtukudzi, the Beatles

All-time heroine: Malala Yousafzai