Communication took centre stage as North-West University (NWU) alumni, celebrated journalists, communications professionals, university leaders and distinguished guests gathered in Sandton, Johannesburg, for an inspiring evening exploring the evolving role of communicators as change-agents.
Held recently at The Seven Villa Hotel & Spa, the event was hosted by the Alumni Relations office under the theme “Communicators as change-agents: Entrepreneurship, innovation and industry leadership.”
The gathering created a meaningful platform for alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas and reflect on the changing role of communication in business, media, entrepreneurship and society.
The event brought together communications alumni, prominent journalists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, NWU leadership and invited guests, creating a vibrant space for networking, knowledge-sharing and conversations about the future of the profession.
Programme director and chairperson of the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus Alumni Committee, Koos De Villiers, guided guests through an engaging programme that highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships between the university and its alumni.
Attendees were officially welcomed by Prof. Mirna Nel, deputy dean for research and innovation in the Faculty of Humanities, who highlighted the importance of academic excellence, research and innovation in preparing future-ready communication professionals.
A key highlight of the evening was a presentation by Prof. Lida Holtzhausen, director of the School of Communication, who reflected on developments within the school and the importance of ensuring that academic programmes remain responsive to the changing communication industry.
Prof. Holtzhausen emphasised that universities should recognise alumni as an important source of knowledge and insight that can help shape the future of academic programmes.
“Universities also need to recognise that some of their most valuable curriculum intelligence has already left the campus,” said Prof Holtzhausen.
She explained that alumni are working inside the communication environments that universities are trying to understand, encountering new technologies, changing client expectations, skills gaps, ethical dilemmas and professional pressures often before these developments appear in textbooks or formal curriculum reviews.
“That knowledge should flow back into universities,” she said.
Prof. Holtzhausen said alumni could contribute to the university in several ways, including as mentors, guest lecturers, industry partners, employers and research collaborators.
She also described alumni as potential “critical friends” who should feel empowered to provide honest feedback about their educational experiences.
“Universities should be willing to hear from graduates not only when they praise their education, but when they tell us where it failed to prepare them,” she said.
The school also shared plans for the development of new communication qualifications that are intended to respond to the changing needs of the industry.
The proposed offerings include a Bachelor of Communication, followed by a BA Honours in Digital Communication. These programmes are still undergoing the required approval processes and have not yet been officially confirmed for implementation. Once securing the necessary approvals, the qualifications can be formally introduced.
The programme then shifted to an engaging panel discussion featuring influential voices from business, media and entrepreneurship.
Facilitated by respected radio and television presenter and producer Carla Mackenzie, the panel featured Jeremy Lang, managing director of Business Partners Limited; Teboho Twala, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Zakhaa Fintech Start-Up; and Pat Mahlangu, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Pat on Brands and Lerato Agency.
Drawing on their professional journeys, the panel explored entrepreneurship, innovation and industry leadership, demonstrating how communication has become an essential driver of successful businesses, influential brands and meaningful societal transformation.
The discussion also provided alumni with an opportunity to connect their academic experiences with the realities of the workplace, while exploring the skills required to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive and digitally driven industry.
Another important component of the programme focused on alumni and Convocation matters, presented by Nicolize van der Walt, Alumni Relations section head.
Nicolize emphasised that the relationship between a university and its graduates should continue long after students receive their qualifications.
“Our relationship with alumni does not end when students graduate; it begins a new chapter. Staying connected creates opportunities for alumni to support one another, mentor future graduates, share industry experience and remain part of a university community that continues to grow and evolve,” she said.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations, marketing and sport, who acknowledged the speakers, organisers, alumni and guests who contributed to the success of the event.
The gathering ultimately demonstrated that communication is about far more than conveying messages. It is increasingly about leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, influence and the ability to navigate a rapidly changing society.
Event organiser Zanele Ngobese described the gathering as a resounding success, saying it reflected the strength and diversity of the NWU alumni community.
“It was inspiring to see alumni, celebrated journalists, NWU leadership and our valued guests coming together in one space. The conversations were meaningful, the networking was valuable, and it reminded us of the incredible contribution our alumni continue to make in the communications profession and across broader industries,” said Zanele.
