The University of the Free State (UFS) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening alumni engagement during the Durban Alumni Connect event, held on the evening of 21 April 2026 at the Coastlands Hotel Musgrave. The gathering brought together graduates, university leadership, and guests to engage in dialogue on the institution's evolving role in advancing responsible societal futures.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, as well as the Executive Director of Advancement, Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, the Executive Director of Student Affairs, Dr Temba Hlasho, presented a strategic outlook that extends beyond conventional academic measures. He emphasised that the UFS mission is not solely limited to the conferral of academic degrees or preparing students for the global workforce. Instead, the university operates within a broader mandate, articulated in its strategic vision, Responsible Societal Futures, which commits all institutional initiatives to delivering tangible and meaningful outcomes for communities.
A key focus of the event was the importance of industry-informed curriculum co-design. Dr Hlasho noted that “while UFS maintains high standards in the quality and innovation of its academic programmes, adapting to the dynamic economic environment is essential”.
He further highlighted that ongoing global and continental shifts - including the transition to green energy, the expansion of the digital economy, and the evolution of manufacturing through automation and localised value-chain development - require continuous curriculum renewal. In this context, alumni are regarded as vital partners. Their professional insights and lived experiences can significantly inform programme development, ensuring that graduates remain relevant and competitive.
The event also provided a platform for alumni to reflect on the university's broader impact. Proud alumnus Prof Knowledge Chinhamu, who holds a PhD in Statistics and is currently a lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, commended the institution for its consistent track record in producing capable and proficient graduates. His remarks underscored the enduring value of a UFS education and the important role alumni play as ambassadors of the university’s academic excellence.
The Durban Alumni Connect forms part of a broader institutional strategy to strengthen relationships with the UFS alumni community. This initiative aims to cultivate a network defined not only by professional connection, but also by active participation in advancing the university’s societal goals. Through these ongoing engagements, UFS continues to build meaningful partnerships with its alumni, grounded in shared purpose, mutual growth, and a collective commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future.