The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) played host to a dynamic Alumni Business Breakfast on Thursday, 11 April, at the scenic Big Lapa venue.
This networking event brought together alumni, industry leaders and NWU academics for a morning of insightful dialogue centred on tourism, business development and regional growth opportunities.
The breakfast featured a distinguished panel of speakers with strong ties to both the public and private sectors. Among them was Jeff Mabunda, tourism market intelligence manager and acting chief business development officer at the North West Parks and Tourism Board.
Jeff underscored the critical role tourism plays in sustaining the South African economy, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. He called for greater government involvement in the sector, pointing to Rwanda’s economic success as a result of strategic investment in tourism. He also highlighted the university’s important role in advancing tourism education and preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to the industry.
Joining him was Rudolf Harmse, general manager of Pont de Val and board secretary of the Vaal Tourism District Board, who shared practical perspectives on hospitality, heritage tourism and the importance of collaboration between businesses and local government.
In his remarks, Rudolf emphasised the vision of creating an environment in the Vaal River region where all businesses can thrive. He highlighted the role of the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce (GTCOC) in leading the business community, promoting growth and serving as a united voice for business in the region.
From within the university ranks, Prof Kedibone Phago, director of the School of Government Studies at the NWU, delivered a candid reflection on the need for more active and sustained involvement from the government in driving regional development and tourism support initiatives and the business community being involved.
Prof Herculene Kotzé, deputy dean for community engagement, business development and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Humanities, emphasised the importance of community participation and fostering inclusive growth through strategic partnerships between academia, the government and the private sector.
The line-up also included Dr Tielman JC Slabbert, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Vaal River Way Development Agency, who inspired attendees with his vision for unlocking the economic potential of the Vaal River region through tourism, infrastructure development and sustainable enterprise.
The panel discussion was skilfully moderated by Liabo Setho, SABC news anchor for OnPoint, who guided the conversation around key themes such as regional tourism promotion, infrastructure investment, the role of alumni in community upliftment and inter-sectoral collaboration.
Attendees praised the event for its engaging format and the opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and thought leaders. The breakfast reinforced the NWU’s strategic focus on building bridges between academia and industry, while celebrating the achievements and continued involvement of its alumni.
The panel discussion addressed key themes such as regional tourism promotion, infrastructure investment, the role of alumni in community upliftment and inter-sectoral collaboration. From left are Rudolf Harmse, general manager at Pont de Val and board secretary for the Vaal Tourism Board District, Prof Kedebone Phago, director of the NWU’s School of Government Studies, Jeff Mabunda, tourism market intelligence manager and acting chief business development officer at the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Dr Tielman JC Slabbert, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Vaal River Way Development Agency, Prof Herculene Kotzé, deputy dean in the NWU’s Faculty of Humanities, and facilitator and SABC news anchor, Liabo Setho.
Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, welcomes the guests.
Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, thanks the panellists and guests for attending.
