Page 53 - Transformation Report

Above are images of posters advertising such events/activities. Examples of the events conducted during the period under
review are reflected below:
• The Campus Life Student Concert is an annual internal event for all Nelson Mandela University students to
showcase their talents. This event forms part of the campus life festival that kicks off the new year for students.
• The staff concert is a fun event whereby all Nelson Mandela University employees are welcomed to showcase their
talents and unwind. The theme of the staff concert for 2019 was ‘Legends’, chosen to honour our retirees who have
made an impact in their service at the University.

• Many of the events had to be transitioned to online platforms due to the pandemic, with the Mandela Day
celebrations being one such event.

• During Heritage month, various artists and themes were celebrated, as depicted in the above posters.
• A standard feature on the University calendar is the Isisusa Jazz Concert. In 2020, a 60-minute concert was
broadcasted online. The concert had been pre-recorded and filmed on campus, featuring students and alumni with
solo artists Andy Ndlazilwana, Kyle Du Preez, and Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, Sisonke Xonti, and directed
by Ulagh Williams.
• Webinar on jazz culture, ‘Resilience and Creativity During Lockdown’, hosted by producer and director Ulagh
Williams (see below).
• In collaboration with the International Office, a digital performance of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me”, reworked with
African elements, was performed by choir members, students, employees, alumni, and community members which
served as an inspirational message to highlight the importance of staying in touch whilst in lockdown isolation.

In 2018, the Graduation transformation project involved the establishment of a Work Stream on Graduation Transformation
that was commissioned to conduct research to assess perceptions of the University community in relation to graduation and its
related aspects. A comprehensive infographic report outlining the key findings of the research was presented to Council. The
design concept for the office-bearer academic attire was presented in August of that year and a broad stakeholder consultation

53 TRANSFORMATION REPORT