Rugby World Cup Makes UKZN Alumni Stronger Together!

Rugby World Cup Makes UKZN Alumni Stronger Together!

In the spirit of the Rugby World Cup, the UKZN Alumni Relations Office recently hosted alumni for an exhilarating Rugby World Cup live streaming of the quarter and semi-final games.

Held at The Pearls and The Pencil hotels in Umhlanga, the purpose of the viewings was to show support for the South African national team and to create spaces and avenues for the University to interact with their alumni.

Alumni Relations Manager Mr Finn Christensen said the viewings were held to establish and maintain relationships with UKZN alumni. ‘We hope to also come up with collaborative projects in the near future to benefit alumni and the University,’ said Christensen.

The nail-biting and exciting matches saw the Springboks battle it against the other titans making it to the next round by one point while leaving guests sitting on the edge of their seats throughout the match, with some viewers close to visiting a hospital emergency room during the Bokke’s heart-stopping performances.

With both the games ending in victory and leading the team to the World Cup final, Corporate Relations Executive Director Ms Normah Zondo said: ‘The boys did not disappoint and we got the results we wanted.’

Thanking alumni for accepting the University’s invitation, Zondo reminded the audience how important they were to the University and thanked them all for the work they do with UKZN in their various spaces. She highlighted some of the University’s latest developments, including the launch of the new UKZN Strategic Plan 2023-2032. ‘We are because of all of you and we can’t achieve all we have achieved without you,’ said Zondo.

Mr André Young has held many titles as an alumnus at the University. From being the first President of the UKZN Convocation, he continues to work with the University in various committees and is currently a member of the UKZN Council, the Audit and Finance Committee and the Senior Appointment Committee. Describing the initiative as a ‘great idea,’ he thanked the University for the invite, saying he was looking forward to other alumni sporting initiatives in the future.

Former Council and Convocation member Dr Beki Hlatshwayo echoed Young’s sentiments, said he enjoyed watching the games this year. He said he grew up playing and watching soccer, but his love for and interest in rugby began when South Africa won the first Rugby World Cup in 1995 and it hasn’t stopped.

Businesswoman and alumnus, Dr Thandi MaThabethe Ngxongo congratulated the University on hosting alumni on a beautiful evening with the Springboks, inspiring and making the country proud. Encouraging other alumni to get involved with the University, Ngxongo reminded them that UKZN was their University and family, and they should continue with their support while growing in their personal lives.

On the subject of keeping in touch with the University and giving back, MBA graduate Dr Ntsaphokazi Deppa of uMngeni-uThukela Water continues to do work with the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. Deppa was recently a judge for the 2023 Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium held on 2 and 3 November.

Christensen encouraged other alumni to regularly update their latest contact details through the link: Update your Details – UKZN ALUMNI

Alumni relations co-ordinator Ms Silindile Mchunu said the highlights of the event were the Springboks winning and the fun atmosphere at the event. Mchunu said other alumni who would like to be part of future collaborations could email the UKZN Alumni Office at Alumni@ukzn.ac.za.

Words: Sithembile Shabangu

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini