The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an exclusive alumni reunion at the prestigious Seven Villa Hotel & Spa in Sandton, Johannesburg – a gathering that transcended the traditional notion of reunions to become a powerful think tank on the future of finance, trade and logistics.
Organised by the NWU Alumni Relations Office in partnership with the schools of Accounting and Economic Sciences, the event convened distinguished alumni, top-tier industry executives and academic leaders for an evening of strategic dialogue, insight and high-impact networking.
This flagship occasion reaffirmed the role of the NWU not only as an academic institution, but also as a thought leader and collaborative partner in shaping South Africa’s economic future.
The evening was directed by Hloni Putsoane, senior specialist in employer engagement at the NWU. From the onset, guests were immersed in a compelling blend of intellect, innovation and vision.
Delivering the welcoming address, Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, set the tone for the evening with a message focused on unity, lifelong connection and the university’s growing impact across sectors.
Setting the academic agenda for the evening, Prof Verona Leendertz, deputy dean for research and innovation at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, unveiled the forward-looking strategic priorities of the faculty leading up to 2026 and beyond. She made an impassioned case for collaborative synergy between higher education, industry and society, urging alumni to lend their voices to the curriculum review process at the NWU.
“Alumni have a critical role as stakeholders. We want your input to ensure our programmes remain relevant for the next generation. Tell us about the challenges you face in your industries so that the university can help solve real-world problems.”
Prof Leendertz also highlighted initiatives regarding funding, research partnerships, guest lecturing and the development of innovation hubs – all designed to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and drive inclusive economic development.
One of the most anticipated segments of the evening was the executive panel discussion, facilitated by Prof Andre Heyman, deputy director of the School of Economic Sciences. The panel brought together a formidable line-up of industry leaders: Liaan Kretzschmar, CA(SA), customer service director at Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa; Imre Nagy, CEO of the Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors; and Elandre Uys, general manager at Steinweg Bridge.
Their discussion examined the transformative impact of macroeconomic forces – including global supply chain reconfigurations, technological acceleration and the evolution of consumer expectations – on finance, auditing and logistics.
The panellists collectively stressed the imperative for graduates to be not only technologically literate but also ethically grounded, agile and resilient. They called for a new generation of professionals equipped with critical thinking, complex problem-solving capabilities and emotional intelligence.
“See yourself as a brand and protect your reputation,” the panel advised, underscoring the importance of personal integrity and professional credibility in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services and Alumni Relations, reinforced the commitment of the university to nurturing lifelong relationships with its graduates. He outlined the wide range of career and professional development services the NWU offers to alumni and industry stakeholders, positioning the university as a partner in both education and economic development.
“Our goal is to cultivate a powerful alumni network that not only uplifts individuals but contributes meaningfully to national and global progress,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Prof Babs Surujlal, dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks.
“It was indeed a good evening, inspiring and enriching. We are grateful to our panellists, alumni, university management and stakeholders who contributed to making the evening a success.”
Reflecting on the evening’s accomplishments, event organiser Zanele Ngobese from the Alumni Office shared her sentiments. “The event was a great success. We were thrilled to see so many alumni and industry partners come together to share ideas, reconnect and explore opportunities for collaboration. The energy in the room was truly inspiring.”
Guests concluded the evening with a formal dinner and vibrant networking session, leaving with renewed connections, fresh perspectives and a collective commitment to future collaboration.
Distinguished alumni, top-tier industry executives and academic leaders convened for an evening of strategic dialogue, insight and high-impact networking.
