The Horizon Residence, specifically allocated to postgraduate students on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently hosted a memorable Alumni Business Venture and Graduation event that brought together a dynamic mix of graduates, alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs for an evening of inspiration, celebration and meaningful connections.
Held at Verries Hall, the event celebrated the academic achievements of recent graduates, while shining a spotlight on alumni-led entrepreneurial ventures. More than just a ceremony, the gathering was a vibrant platform to promote responsible and informed entrepreneurship, peer mentorship and lifelong networking.
The primary goal of the event was to honour the hard work and success of graduating students, while also fostering collaboration among NWU alumni. Highlights of the evening included compelling keynote addresses by successful NWU alumni who are now leaders in their respective industries.
Among them were Kamohelo Zwane, president of the Student Representative Council, Dr Onnicah Motloung, a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Mr Moeketsi, campus representative of Enactus, and Mr Mosia, a rising entrepreneur, each of whom shared personal insights into the challenges and triumphs of life beyond the university.
In a particularly memorable moment, the room came alive when graduates spontaneously joined together in a joyful dance, symbolising unity and shared accomplishment. Another key highlight was the structured networking session, during which participants eagerly exchanged contacts, stories and potential ideas for collaboration.
Two promising alumni ventures were showcased at the event, representing the IT and academic sectors. These presentations not only inspired but also sparked discussions around sustainable business models and innovation in South Africa’s evolving economic landscape. Several alumni expressed interest in forming a support group aimed at helping recent graduates to transition successfully into professional life.
Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor, head of Student Discipline and house parent at Horizon Residence, said the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “Many students and staff members praised the professional yet intimate atmosphere of the event, the relevance of the topics discussed, and the opportunities it created for both personal and professional growth.”
He added that the event has already led to the formation of new connections, mentorship opportunities and even preliminary talks of future collaborations.
“The NWU has committed to tracking the progress of the featured ventures and spotlighting them through its alumni platforms as part of a broader initiative to support postgraduate success. Special recognition goes to the organising team of the event, Ona, Justin, Mandisa and Pearl, whose exceptional teamwork and enthusiasm were instrumental in delivering a flawless and impactful event,” said Ujeet.
Alumni are encouraged to stay involved through the NWU Alumni Network by mentoring graduates, sponsoring future events, or sharing resources to support future graduates. The success of this event is a powerful reminder that when communities come together with purpose and passion, the results are transformational.
