David Marupen serves as the Head: Fundraising and Alumni Relations at
the University of the Free State (UFS), a role he assumed on
1 January 2026. With more than 25 years of experience in institutional
advancement, global fundraising, and strategic partnership development
across the higher education and non-profit sectors, he is widely
regarded as a collaborative and visionary leader in the advancement
profession.
Throughout his career, Mr Marupen has built a strong reputation for
forging impactful partnerships that support teaching, research, and
student development initiatives. His strategic approach emphasises
cultivating a culture of engagement and philanthropy within
institutions and their broader communities.
Prior to joining the UFS, he served as Director: Major Gifts and Global
Fundraising in the Development and Alumni Relations Division at
Stellenbosch University. His extensive professional journey also
includes senior roles at several South African universities and
non-profit organisations.
These include serving as Executive Director of the Institutional
Advancement Office at the former Technikon Pretoria, now Tshwane
University of Technology, and as Chief Executive Officer of the
University of Fort Hare Foundation, where he also contributed to
governance and cultural development through initiatives linked to the
Miriam Makeba Performing Arts Centre and the Hunterstoun Academic
Retreat Centre.
Mr Marupen has further held key advancement and partnership roles at
the University of Johannesburg and as Deputy Director of the Resource
Mobilisation Centre at the University of Limpopo. His leadership
experience extends into the non-profit sector, with positions at
organisations such as loveLife, the Financial Services Consumer
Education Foundation, and Johannesburg Child Welfare.
He currently serves on the board of the Morongwa Foundation, supporting
youth development initiatives.
He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management in African Philanthropy
and Resource Mobilisation from the Wits Business School, a qualification
that complements his deep practical experience and underscores his
commitment to strengthening philanthropy within the African higher
education landscape.
In his role at the UFS, Mr Marupen leads efforts to integrate
fundraising and alumni engagement, strengthen donor pipelines,
cultivate long-term partnerships, and promote a sustainable culture of
philanthropy across the university. His appointment reflects the UFS’s
continued dedication to supporting student success, research
excellence, and meaningful societal impact.
About Fundraising and Alumni Relations
Fundraising and Alumni Relations at the University of the Free State
establishes connections between the University and its alumni, donors,
partners, and philanthropic organisations to develop meaningful
relationships and mobilise support for the University’s priorities.
Through fundraising, we cultivate partnerships and philanthropic
support that contribute to the goals and other strategic priorities of
the University. We collaborate with individuals, foundations,
corporations, and other partners to discover opportunities for
collaboration and investment in initiatives that support the
University’s mission.
Alumni Relations creates and sustains lifelong connections with UFS
alumni, strengthening their relationship with the University and
developing an engaged alumni community locally, nationally, and
globally.
Fundraising and Alumni Relations strengthens the University’s
relationships with its wider community and creates opportunities for
alumni, donors, and partners to remain connected to and contribute to
the University and its sustainable impact.
UFS Goals
- Improve our academic excellence, reputation, and impact.
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Promote an environment of agility, flexibility, and responsiveness
based on trust and accountability.
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Advance a transformational institutional culture that demonstrates
the values of the UFS.
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Promote stewardship and prioritisation of institutional resources
for strategic intent.
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Establish collaborative innovation and global integration.
Fundraising and Alumni Relations Main Strategic Goals
- Secure growth in diversified income.
- Enhance internal capacity.
- Facilitate university-wide fundraising synchronisation.
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Optimise external positioning and implement best-in-class
stewardship practices.
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Implement an Alumni Relations and Engagement Strategy to build
meaningful alumni relationships that facilitate planned,
intentional, and sustainable alumni giving.