Dabampe takes helm as Unisa Convocation President

On 29 June 2024, Justice Dabampe was announced as the elected President of Unisa’s Convocation at Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria, marking the beginning of a four-year term. Dabampe is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the university.

Justice Dabampe

The function of the Convocation is to act as a bridge between the university’s students, staff and alumni. It allows the convocants to raise concerns, discuss matters related to the university’s development, provide guidance through its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where discussions are held regarding the university's strategic direction and policies, provide input on fundraising strategies, and nominate candidates for awards and honorary degrees.

In addition, the Convocation advises the Unisa Council – the highest decision-making body of the university – on matters of present interest and assists the university and the Unisa Foundation with fundraising. This year, Dabampe will be making his mark at Council in representing the voices of the university’s community.

Dabampe’s wealth of knowledge spans from serving in the Lekwa-Teemane Municipality in the North West Province as a Councillor, Municipal Public Accounts Committee member and Executive Committee member as Chair of Finance, and in the Corporate Services and Good Governance section as Member of the Mayoral Committee. Furthermore, Dabampe is a North West Provincial Legislature Member of Parliament and is affiliated to the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM). His experience in these positions, plus the knowledge he gained from his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Public Administration Degree from Unisa, and a Certificate in Leadership in Municipal Governance from Wits University, demonstrate his broad understanding of public administration and governance.

More than 700 Unisa students, staff and alumni participated in the 2024 voting and meetings geared at electing the President of Convocation, with some voicing their concerns over women representation at leadership bodies such as the Convocation.

Dabampe will be replacing Sabelo Mhlungu, who was serving his second term.

The following candidates stood for this year’s Convocation Presidency:

• Justice Dabambe
• Talent Njabulo Gumbi
• Simamkele Xani
• Decision Magama
• Ntuthuko Buthelezi
• Nwabisa Sigaba
• Temba Andrew Makuma
• Lebogang Fortunate Ntuli
• Adreis Kgatlampi Nkome
• Dr RS Netanda
• Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi
• Moloiwa Lucky Phosa
• Percy Rathogwa
• Tshepo Malapane

The Convocation is pivotal in underscoring the democratic principles of the country in that it creates a platform for leaders to voice the university community’s concerns at Council level, and to engage in programmes creating opportunities for future students that will result in positive outcomes for the university’s community, while steering strategic objectives that seek to uphold the university’s national and international stature.

With a focus on fundraising, strategic direction, and alumni relations, Dabampe is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the university.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement.