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03 January 2023 | Story Charlene Stanley | Photo Supplied
Vuyelwa Vumendlini
Vuyelwa Vumendlini, Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.

High-profile positions at National Treasury, the World Bank and now also the International Monetary Fund in Washington, mark an illustrious career for UFS Economics alumna, Vuyelwa Vumendlini.

“Go in full force, hands and feet, and accept this opportunity of a lifetime. You won’t regret it.” These words of Dr Minette Smit, her thesis supervisor, proved to be pivotal advice to a young Vuyelwa Vumendlini. At the time, she was doing her BCom Honours in Economics (1996-1999) and was presented with a scholarship opportunity to complete her master’s degree in the USA.

“I was afraid to leave my home and my comfort zone,” she explains. “But looking back, I’m extremely grateful to have taken that step.”

Her studies culminated in an appointment as Senior Adviser to the Executive Director at the World Bank, then Deputy Director-General: International and Regional Economic Policy at the National Treasury, and now as Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC. As an IMF executive board member, Vumendlini represents 23 English-speaking African countries that are members of a constituency. The Executive Board of the IMF has 24 chairs, representing 24 constituencies from its 189 countries’ membership. Among her duties are considering policy issues and surveillance reports, as well as approving and monitoring IMF programmes involving lending and/or technical assistance.

Since this is the second stint in Washington for her and her children, Simphiwe, Enhle, and Anele, settling down was much easier. “Because of the COVID-19 isolation, we were kind of used to being alone at home, so we didn’t find the solitude that bad while we were still making new friends.”

She misses South African food the most – things like biltong and boerewors – and the proximity of favourite restaurants like Ocean Basket and Mugg & Bean. She has fond memories of her study years, working as an assistant in the Department of Economics, hanging out at Mooimeisiesfontein on Saturdays, and building rag floats for Vergeet-My-Nie and Kestell residences. Plans for the future include tackling her PhD in Economics.

Her advice to UFS students: “Be up to date with what is happening around you. Do not be afraid to do things differently. Be agile in your approach to achieving your career aspirations and be ready to take on those opportunities when they present themselves.”

News Archive

Prof Jonathan Jansen’s term extended for a further five years
2014-03-19

During its first meeting of the year, held on Friday 14 March 2014 on the Bloemfontein Campus, the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) decided to appoint Prof Jonathan Jansen for a further term as Vice-Chancellor and Rector.

Prof Jansen was appointed in this position on 1 July 2009. His term will be extended for a further five years on 1 July 2014.

“Prof Jansen’s vision for the future of the UFS is in line with that of Council. He led the university successfully through a challenging time and his ability to bring people from different backgrounds together has made a huge difference in how the institution is perceived nationally and internationally. We are thankful that his services could be maintained for a further term and look forward to working with him,” said Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the Council.

Prof Jansen said that he is honoured and humbled to be granted a second term. “I will work even harder to advance academic excellence and deepen human relations at this great institution," he said.

The term of the Vice-Chairperson of the Council, Mr Edward Kieswetter, was also extended for another three years during the meeting. Mr Kieswetter, Group Chief Executive of Alexander Forbes Equity Holdings (Pty) Ltd, has been a member of the Council since November 2004. This will be his third term as Vice-Chairperson.

Issued by: Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
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