Potchefstroom – Alumni from the North-West University (NWU) presented a virtual concert for the very first time over the past weekend, involving musicians from various genres, but all from the NWU stable.

“This concert is just one more creative way in which the NWU retains contact with its alumni and stakeholders during the Covid-19 outbreak.  The law prohibits any gatherings, and bringing people together is a large part of our work,” says Nicolize van der Walt, divisional head at the NWU Alumni Office.

Louis Janse van Rensburg and Christi Cloete, who are part of the stakeholder office, gave the idea wings and the result was this top-quality production.

The concert also promoted the Covid-19 Response Fund. This fund was established to collect money and accessories for students who are now forced to study online.

Alumni and friends of the three campuses were identified and eagerly accepted the invitation to be part of this unique effort. Even the presenters, Tim Theron, actor and movie producer, and Sinki Mlambo, communication expert and media personality, are proud alumni of the university.

Jacques Imbrailo, a farmer’s son from the Free State and now a baritone who charms audiences across the world, was part of this star-studded team. Perserverance Mkhonto was the youngest alumna who shared her talent – this law graduate has a great love of music and her velvet voice was received very well.

There was no shortage of classical masterpieces. Opera singer Tshilidzi Ndou presented his contribution from Texas, and once again proved why the NWU honoured him as the best opera singer and why he was awarded several music bursaries.

Lebona Sello, former student council member and music student, gave everyone goosebumps with his performance, while Jacques le Roux, an international tenor, had the virtual audience’s tongues really wagging with their comments.

Bouwer Bosch, Anna Davel, Jako Meyer and Deon Meiring are talented alumni who have been promoting the NWU’s image for many years, and it felt like welcoming old friends to your sitting room. The talented couple and piano duo Pierre and Sophie van der Westhuizen also shared their talent unhesitatingly.

“We have also already presented a virtual cycle race and two fun runs. People should now be on the lookout for our