.JPG)
Back from left, Paul Geswindt, Lindsay Weyer, Delana Finlayson, Lebo Nare, Adv Tshidi Hashatse and Lerato Fekisi. Front, Denise Van Huyssteen, Siyamthanda Mbalo, Prof Muki Moeng, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, Nikhil Tricam and Nindya Bucktowar.
The annual awards recognise alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields while embodying the values of the University through contributions that benefit society at local, national and international level.
This year, six Rising Star Awards, five Achiever Awards and a Special Alumni Award were conferred at the ceremony held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre on 19 June.
A Special Award was conferred on Professor Alex Bashasha, a PhD graduate in Political Studies, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to leadership, legal practice, governance and institutional development across Africa. A respected academic, legal practitioner, business leader, diplomat and philanthropist, Prof Bashasha was also recognised for his role in advancing the University’s Uganda Alumni Chapter and strengthening the institution’s international alumni network.
For decades, Prof Bashasha has championed constitutionalism, human rights, democratic governance and ethical leadership through both scholarship and professional service. His work in leadership development, organisational transformation and public administration has had a lasting impact within Uganda and beyond, reflecting the values of excellence, integrity and transformative leadership that Mandela University seeks to cultivate in its graduates.
Achiever Awards
The University also honoured five outstanding alumni with Achiever Awards, in recognition of their excellence and significant professional and community contributions.
Among the recipients was Katherine Booth de Lange, a Computer Science graduate whose career has taken her from the Eastern Cape to senior executive leadership roles across Africa, Europe and the United States. Currently serving as Senior Vice-President of Business Operations at fintech company 8am, she was recognised for her global leadership in technology operations and her commitment to advancing STEM development and educational initiatives.
Internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Andile Dyalvane, a National Diploma in Ceramic Design graduate and co-founder of Imiso Ceramics, was honoured for elevating African creativity on the global stage through his innovative fusion of Xhosa cultural heritage and contemporary ceramic design. His work forms part of prestigious international collections and has been exhibited at leading institutions and galleries worldwide.
Delana Finlayson, a quantity surveyor, entrepreneur and social impact leader, received recognition for her contribution to urban transformation and community development through both her professional work and the non-profit organisation Urban Think Tank Empower, which advances innovative and sustainable housing solutions.
Business leader and strategic communications executive Denise van Huyssteen, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, was honoured for her leadership in driving economic renewal, investment attraction and inclusive growth in the region.
One of South Africa’s leading players in women’s rugby, Eloise Webb, who has represented the country in both the Springbok Women’s Sevens and Fifteens teams was among the Achiever Awards recipients. In addition to her achievements on the international sporting stage, Webb continues to inspire young people as a qualified mathematics and science educator and advocate for athlete development.
Rising Stars
The University’s Rising Star Awards recognise alumni whose accomplishments early in their careers signal great promise and growing influence in their respective fields.
Recipients included award-winning journalist and communications professional Lerato Fekisi, whose work in public-interest journalism and strategic communication has earned national recognition; Siyamthanda Mbalo, a rising leader in South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector; and fashion entrepreneur Gugu Peteni, founder and creative director of GUGUBYGUGU, whose sustainable luxury fashion brand is gaining international acclaim.
Among those recognised were Lindsay Weyer, a key member of the Springbok management team whose expertise has contributed to some of South African rugby’s greatest achievements, and Nikhil Tricam and Nindya Bucktowar, co-founders of Studio Kalki, whose innovative multidisciplinary design work is earning recognition on the global stage.
Speaking to the significance of the awards, the ceremony celebrated alumni whose achievements continue to reflect the University’s commitment to producing graduates who lead with purpose, are in service of society and contribute meaningfully in their communities and professions.
The award recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines and industries, yet share common attributes – commitment to excellence, innovation and impact.
“We are proud of our alumni who live the institutional values and are changing the world,” says Alumni Relations Director, Paul Geswindt.