Nelson Mandela University- Student Alumni Society

23/07/2025

Live the Legacy: Mandela Month
Student Feature: Onthatile — Becoming Through the Journey

By: Zusakhe Hlatini

Onthatile’s first year at Nelson Mandela University was more than just an academic adjustment—it was a turning point in discovering who she is and who she’s becoming.

Coming from a home with strict parents and a firm structure, the sudden freedom of university life was both liberating and overwhelming. “I was surprised by the extent of freedom I had,” she recalls. “Growing up with an early curfew, even staying late on campus felt like a taboo.” That freedom quickly turned into a test of self—where choices mattered, influences were loud, and identity felt like something fluid.

She describes it as an identity crisis—being presented with the freedom to become “anything,” including someone far from the person she had been raised to be. “It wasn’t cool or ideal to be the version of me I grew up as,” she admits. “The challenge was learning how to hold onto myself when the world was offering me so many other versions to become.”

In navigating that challenge, Onthatile made a conscious decision: to not abandon the morals and values she was raised with. “Even though I grew up sheltered, that doesn’t discredit the principles my parents enforced,” she reflects. “They continue to shape and positively impact my life today.”

Through deep reflection and daily reminders, she chose to anchor her identity not in perception or popularity, but in purpose. “My mistakes, my failures, and people’s opinions don’t define Onthatile. They mold her. They shape her into the best version of herself.”

Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy, she’s learned to see education as a transformative tool. “His words, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,’ push me to always pursue lifelong learning,” she says. “I intentionally put myself in spaces where I’m not the smartest or most skilled, because that’s how I grow.”

One defining moment in her university journey came when she stood on a podium at the Social Consciousness and the Futures Certification Ceremony, speaking in front of students, facilitators, and programme leaders. It was a full-circle moment that helped her contextualize her purpose. “I used to feel silly saying I was ‘meant for people’—like it wasn’t enough. But that programme helped me understand my role as a responsible global citizen and active member of South African society. The essence of my being is to live up to my name—Onthatile, ‘someone to be loved.’”

For Onthatile, leadership is rooted in humility. “People follow someone who makes them feel seen and heard,” she explains. “A good leader is someone who’s constantly learning from others, someone with integrity who seeks the wellbeing of others before their own. That’s how you build trust, unity, and the spirit of Ubuntu.”

Through courage, reflection, and a deep commitment to her values, Onthatile is not only becoming a leader—she’s becoming herself.

14/07/2025

LIVE THE LEGACY: MANDELA MONTH
Vanessa Mphikela – Leading With Purpose, One Story at a Time
By Zusakhe Hlatini

Alumna Vanessa Mphikela, a recent Diploma in Public Relations Management graduate from Nelson Mandela University, is already making waves in the world of corporate communication. Currently completing her internship at Transnet, Vanessa is simultaneously pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Public Relations Management, demonstrating her commitment to growth, excellence, and lifelong learning.

A natural leader and purpose-driven communicator, Vanessa is passionate about using storytelling to inform, inspire, and uplift. Her time at NMU laid the foundation not only for academic success but for a career built on values, vision, and voice.

“Nelson Mandela’s commitment to servant leadership inspires how I show up professionally,” Vanessa says. “Leadership to me is about empathy, humility, and creating space for others to thrive.”

As a former Residence Student Assistant, Vanessa was deeply involved in student development and advocacy. Today, those same principles guide her work at Transnet and her professional ethos—prioritizing people, purpose, and progress.

From Campus Campaigns to Corporate Strategy:
Among her most transformative university experiences was working within the Faculty of Science during in-service training, where Vanessa collaborated with different departments to roll out impactful campaigns like National Science Week, and organize events in student residences. It was here that she discovered the true power of collaboration.
“Impact is maximized when we work as a team. No success comes from doing it alone.”

Telling Stories That Matter:
With a passion for strategic communication, Vanessa views Public Relations as a powerful tool for change.
“I aim to tell stories that reflect youth empowerment, education, and transformation—stories that connect people, inspire young professionals, and amplify meaningful initiatives like career expos or access to education.”

Growth in the Corporate World:
Transitioning from student life to the corporate space has come with its own set of surprises. Vanessa was struck by the expectation to perform independently under pressure, and the value of self-leadership.
“In the workplace, you're expected to show up with solutions and adapt quickly. Unlike student life, where support structures are clear, corporate life demands initiative and critical thinking.”
Despite the demands, Vanessa embraces the learning process, recognizing that internships are spaces for growth, not perfection.

Staying Grounded in Purpose:
In a fast-paced environment, Vanessa keeps her eyes on her purpose.
“I stay grounded by remembering why I started—to uplift others, represent young, driven individuals from humble beginnings, and make a lasting difference.”
She draws strength from mentorship, planning, continuous learning, and a strong sense of self-awareness.
“Giving myself grace and reflecting on how far I’ve come helps me stay focused. Progress isn’t always loud—but it’s meaningful.”

With a voice rooted in purpose and a future fueled by passion, Vanessa Mphikela represents the spirit of what it means to be a Proudly Madibaz Graduate—resilient, reflective, and ready to shape the world, one story at a time.

10/07/2025

Live the Legacy: Mandela Month
Leadership is a journey of continuous learning. It's not about winning or losing—it's about the integrity and discipline you bring to the process. True leaders are defined not by outcomes, but by the values they uphold and the resilience they show along the way.

10/07/2025

04/07/2025

LIVE THE LEGACY: MANDELA MONTH SERIES

Student Spotlight: Ntanganendzeni Mashapa
Psychology Society Member | First-Year Student | Purpose-Driven Leader

Ntanganendzeni Mashapa’s journey at Nelson Mandela University is a story of growth, courage, and discovering purpose through perseverance.

Her first year was a whirlwind of change, especially in adapting to the independent learning environment and intense academic demands. “I’ve always been a closed-up person,” she shares, “but university challenged me to open up. I realised I couldn’t do this alone.” This marked the beginning of her learning to speak up, manage her time, and lean into the value of a supportive community.

Since joining the university, she has not only grown as a student but also as a leader. She’s developed skills like prioritising tasks, being adaptable, bouncing back from challenges, and asking for help when it matters most. “These experiences have given me the potential to be a great leader one day,” she says with clarity and optimism.

Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire her educational and leadership journey. “He showed us that education is a tool for transformation,” she reflects. “Leadership means serving others, working with them, and having the resilience, courage, and empathy to make meaningful change.” As a young woman in higher education, these values are not just ideals for Ntanganendzeni—they are guiding principles.

At the start of the year, she set a personal goal to join societies that would help her grow. Although she faced several rejections and unanswered applications, she stayed committed to the path. “I reminded myself that it starts with resilience—I had to begin somewhere.” That beginning turned out to be the Psychology Society, where she’s now part of impactful outreach programmes on campus. The experience sparked something deeper: a passion for social impact and development. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the difference we’re making in students’ lives. I feel like I’ve stepped into my purpose.”

Ntanganendzeni believes leadership is a continuous process of learning, growing, and working with others toward a shared vision. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership starts from within—with conviction, service, and the courage to keep going, even when the path isn’t easy.

By: Zusakhe Hlatini

03/07/2025

Dear Nelson Mandela University Students,

The Showcasing Future Leaders series is live!
Live the Legacy: Mandela Month

At Mandela University, we believe everyone is a leader — or has the potential to become one. If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming article, we'd love to hear your story.

Simply drop an email to Zusakhe Hlatini at [email protected].

Let’s connect, inspire, and grow together.

02/07/2025

🎓 Empower Futures: Nourish Minds, Fund Dreams 👐
Mandela University Students, This Is for YOU!

Nelson Mandela University has officially launched the 2025 Giving Campaign, a powerful initiative aimed at supporting students like you—because no dream should be delayed by hunger or financial hardship.

In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and in support of the theme, "It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality", this campaign calls on alumni, corporates, and friends of the university to make a real difference.

✨ What the campaign supports:
✅ Postgraduate and “missing middle” students who are struggling to fund their studies
✅ Students who are going hungry—skipping meals just to stay in school

💡 About 60% of Mandela University students are NSFAS-funded. Many of the rest—especially postgrads—fall into the “missing middle” and often get left behind. This campaign is about changing that.

📣 Let’s spread the word, support each other, and ensure that no student is left behind because of financial barriers.

It’s our time to rise. It’s still in our hands. 💙

Nelson Mandela University launches campaign to nourish minds and fund dreams

Nelson Mandela University has launched a campaign to encourage corporates, alumni and friends of the University to help its students.

Mandela University’s 2025 Giving Campaign is endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and aligns with its 2025 theme of “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality”.

The objective of Mandela University’s fundraising appeal is to help its students graduate. It aims to generate this help by eradicating the main challenges that arise. The University’s Empower Futures: Nourish Minds, Fund Dreams campaign has two aims:
To help deserving students, particularly postgraduate and those deemed “missing middle”, who cannot fund their studies and
To help unfunded students in the aforementioned categories who are forced to skip daily meals because they cannot afford food.
About 60% of Mandela University students are National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)-funded, with the rest being fee-paying students. A significant portion of fee-paying students are postgraduate students who were NSFAS-funded during their undergraduate funding, as well as those whose household income is between R350 000 and R600 000 – deemed the “missing middle”.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Nelson-Mandela-University-launches-campaign-to-nou

To donate to the Campaign and for more information
https://www.mandela.ac.za/Giving

Watch one of the beneficiaries share his story on the campaign
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG316rJwFis

Strategic Resource Mobilisation and Advancement

02/07/2025

It is not about how bad the situation looks, it's about your perspective and what you can make out of it ✊👏

Check out the link and listen to the empowering story of our Alumnus Thabiso Erasmus

From Matatiele to cm laude! Thabiso Erasmus, a three-time graduate of Nelson Mandela University, shares his powerful journey as a "missing middle" student w...

02/07/2025

🔥 Youth in Action | Still Building, Still Dreaming
Featuring Nomathongo Mohleleng – NMU Alumna & IT Lecturer at Port Elizabeth TVET College

From the small town of Virginia in the Free State to standing at the front of a lecture room, Nomathongo Mohleleng exemplifies what it means to rise with purpose, reflect with honesty, and reinvest in the next generation.

A proud triple graduate of Nelson Mandela University, she holds a Diploma in Information Technology (Support Services), an Advanced Diploma in IT (Networks), and an Advanced Diploma in Technical and Vocational Teaching (TVT). Today, she serves as an IT Lecturer at Port Elizabeth TVET College, Russell Road Campus, where she teaches Electronics, Computer Hardware & Software, and Data Communication & Networking.

Nomathongo sees her role as deeply impactful. With lived experience of both unemployment and working outside her field of study, she brings authenticity into her classroom. She teaches her students not only the technical skills they need for the workplace but also the resilience, soft skills, and real-world wisdom required to thrive. In her words, “I build their careers while helping them shape their characters.”

Reflecting on her early journey, she shares the unspoken truth that she once focused heavily on being noticed by major companies—often overlooking the opportunities for growth in smaller or less-known spaces. She also acknowledges how difficult it was to accept mentorship from peers or colleagues on the same level, until she realized that success in the workplace is about collective effort, not individual acclaim.

Nomathongo holds a bold hope that her inclusive teaching methods create a meaningful and transformative space for her students. But she doesn’t shy away from the hard truths either. She speaks honestly about the discouragement caused by inequality in the workplace, and the pressure young people face from families and communities to find employment immediately after graduation—even when the reality is far more complex. "We endure," she says, "because life doesn’t pause for us."

Now, as a working professional and passionate educator, Youth Month holds a deeper meaning for her. It’s no longer just about student activism or youthful energy—it’s about continuous growth, expanding expertise, and living with purpose. She’s committed to building her dual career path, pursuing her passions despite job security, and being a resource for others. Most importantly, she’s determined to keep making a difference in her students' lives—through teaching, mentorship, and empowerment.

Nomathongo’s journey reminds us all that youth is not only a time of life, but a mindset—one that insists on dreaming boldly, building bravely, and lifting others along the way.
By: Hlatini Zusakhe

01/07/2025

🕰️ | A Legacy of Firsts & Fatherhood

We rewind to a powerful moment with the late Mr. Cumngce Gawe, PE Technikon’s first Black graduate, as he delivered a stirring message on “The Missing Father & Fatherlessness.”

27/06/2025

Job Opportunity!

We're hiring! 📣

Algoa FM is looking for a seasoned Marketing Manager to lead dynamic campaigns, events, and partnerships that elevate our brand.

If you’re a strategic thinker with 5+ years’ experience in marketing management —especially in media— apply now!

More info here: https://www.algoafm.co.za/careers/marketing-manager-vacancy