ALUMNI REUNION (15 AUGUST 2025)

On the 15^th of August 2025 the Alumni Relations Office held an Alumni Reunion where the office hosted the Keynote Speaker Prof Somadoda Fikeni.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Prof Somadoda Fikeni, a respected public intellectual who has influenced public discourse, institution building, and public policy, and currently serves as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission of South Africa as well as the Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios Board of Trustees, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the inaugural WSU Alumni Reunion.

He reflected on the rich history and significance of Walter Sisulu University, highlighting its cultural and educational impact, the challenges faced during its formation, and the enduring importance of strong alumni connections.

His central theme was clear that alumni were the custodians of the university’s legacy. He emphasised that alumni were not only recent graduates or public figures, but all who have passed through WSU, including honorary degree recipients.

Prof Fikeni used the metaphor of the “fish” approach, where graduates drift away, versus the “hen” approach, where each alumnus is nurtured and protected, to stress the value of deliberate, caring engagement.  He called for uniting the histories of WSU’s legacy institutions into one powerful narrative. Recognising leaders such as Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Advocate Tembela Ngcukaitobi among many WSU alumni and reminded the audience that WSU continues to produce leaders who shape South Africa and inspire future generations.

#InPursuitOfExcellence

#wsualumni