New Unizulu Convocation executive elected

THE newly elected University of Zululand Convocation executives have pledged to work closely with university management and others to ensure the ‘good image of the institution is restored and preserved’.

It was during the annual general meeting of the Convocation at the King Bhekuzulu Hall at Unizulu’s main campus on Saturday that votes were cast and the new leadership elected.

The convocation executives will represent the interests of the alumni in various university structures, including council which is the highest decision-making body.

Nhlakanipho Nkwanyana, a 27-year-old clinical psychologist who runs a private practice in Durban, was elected president, while others elected were Siyathokoza Mchunu (deputy president), Sizwe Zwane (secretary general) and additional members Sandiso Makhathini and Zamile Gwala.

‘We are going to take a comprehensive approach towards ensuring that the restoration of the university’s good image takes place,’ Ntombela said.

‘This will include engaging the public. We also have to create space for alumni to take part in our programmes because when they come on board they come with different areas of expertise. Ours is not limited to a theoretical intervention,’ he explained.

He said former students of Unizulu needed to play an important role in realising this vision.

Nkwanyana was confident that fellow members of the Convocation executive were up to the task, while stressing that all members of the executive had proven track records as leaders.

Most of them were involved in student leadership and now occupy various leadership roles in society and in their professional environments.

‘This structure is not a leadership incubator. We have led and continue to lead in our various spaces,’ Nkwanyana said.

He is a seasoned leader, having previously occupied various leadership positions.

In 2011 he was the president of Enactus Unizulu and during his student days he was also involved in BMF and was a member of the house committees.

‘The University of Zululand gave me an opportunity to learn a number of skills. It created an enabling environment to engage in a number of extracurricular activities which helped me in terms of broadening my leadership skills,’ he said.

‘Unizulu plays a very important role in society as it caters mainly for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds

‘As a student I battled with financial difficulties, but I was accepted when in fact I don’t think I deserved it as I did not have any money.

‘For this reason, I have always felt the need to be actively involved in the university’s affairs.’

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