Be active in NWU’s future. Join our Convocation and be part of the decision-making process at NWU!
The NWU Convocation includes former students (alumni) who have obtained a degree or diploma from the NWU or its predecessors, and all current permanent staff members of the University.
Membership is by formal application and a one-off fee of R50 for lifelong membership. Recognised as a statutory body of NWU, the Convocation is an integral part of the formal management framework of the University, as set out in the University’s Statute.
The primary goal of the Convocation is to promote the welfare of the NWU by safeguarding its image, traditions, and interests. It acts as a vital bridge between its members and the University. Represented on the University Council, the Convocation also works closely with other entities such as the Alumni Association, fostering interaction between the University and its alumni. Membership provides you with a meaningful opportunity to have your say in the governance of your alma mater.
Who are the Convocation representatives? New chapter for the NWU
A new executive committee for the NWU’s Convocation was elected at the triennial general meeting of the Convocation on 15 March 2025.
Life runs in cycles … seasons, years, months, terms …
Things come and go, and a new period has commenced for all our alumni of the NWU with the election of the executive committee of the NWU Convocation. Members of the NWU Convocation made their votes count during the triennial general meeting and a number of new faces appeared after the election. This was the first year that the meeting was convened in hybrid format and participation exceeded all expectations.
It was wonderful to see how Convocation members appreciated their right to vote and exercised this right to ensure that the cream of the crop represents all alumni on the committee and in the university Council.
From the Alumni Office we want to congratulate the following members with whom we will collaborate over the next three years.
- President: Tutu Kgobane
- Tutu received his degrees from the NWU: Bachelor of Administration (Honours) (2014) in Marketing Management, North-West University.
- Bachelor of Administration in Marketing Management (2011–2013), North-West University.
- He is currently an unbranded senior specialist with Vodacom Gauteng.
- Vice president: Frik van Deventer was a law student and is a senior practising attorney with 32 years of legal, business and organisational experience. He is also currently the chairperson of the NWU Alumni campus committee on the Potchefstroom Campus.
- Treasurer: Mpho Mosia, currently the chairperson of the NWU Alumni campus committee on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.
Additional members:
- Suzanne Paxton is an acclaimed journalist and currently known for her radio work at RSG. She boasts a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Marketing Communication.
- Hans-Jurie Moolman is a practising attorney with his own practice. He studied for an LLB degree and also has an Advanced Certificate in Labour Law (1999).
- Arrie Rautenbach is the former CEO of Absa and a professor at the NWU. He was awarded the status of professor of Practice by the NWU Business School in 2022. He received his MBA from the NWU Business School and a BBA (cum laude) from the NWU’s distance learning campus.
- Prof Leenta Grobler was awarded her degree in Engineering by the NWU and is currently associate professor in Digital Health and Strategy Projects and manager of the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Gerhard Laufs is a practising attorney with a master’s degree in Law from the University of South Africa (2006), and a BIuris from the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (1999).
Convocation constitution
As a formal structure of the NWU the Convocation is regulated by clearly defined rules and procedures that are set out in the NWU’s Statute.
In terms of the Statute, the Convocation comprises all graduates and diplomates of the University and its predecessors, namely the University of North West and the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, which merged in January 2004 to form the NWU.
The Statute grants certain rights and responsibilities to members of the Convocation. Every member has the right to be nominated to represent the Convocation on the University Council and to vote for its members on the Council.
Members also vote for the Convocation chairperson and for the executive committee (EXCO). The EXCO manages the process of electing the representatives of the Convocation on the Council, administers the Convocation and works closely with management on various matters.
Please follow the link for more information: Constitution of the Convocation
Membership and application form
Every graduate and diplomate of the NWU and its predecessors has the right to belong to the Convocation. However, this only occurs via an application and is NOT an automatic action. Membership of the Convocation is also open to current permanent staff members of the University.
To become a member of the Convocation, you must complete a membership application form and pay the once-off nominal sum of R50.
- Download the Application form, OR
- Apply here
In terms of the Statute of the NWU the amount of R50 is payable to become a member of the NWU’s Convocation. This is for lifelong membership if you are an alumnus. Payment can be made in two ways:
Payment option 1
- Make use of the quick payment option
Any enquiries can be addressed to Nicolize van der Walt at the Convocation Office: 018 2852594 or by email: Nicolize.VanDerWalt@nwu.ac.za
Payment option 2
Make a payment to NWU Convocation at:
- North-West University
- 670640086
- ABSA Noordbrug
- 335-138
Payment reference: CON + initials + surname (for example, CON R Nel).
Email the deposit slip/proof of payment and this application form to Nicolize.VanDerWalt@nwu.ac.za or mail it to:
- Office of the Convocation,
- North-West University
- Private Bag X1290,
- Potchefstroom 2520.
Your application cannot be processed without this complete documentation and proof of payment.