West Africa Hub Convening
Dr Bruce Damons, Director in the Engagement Office at Nelson Mandela University, recently joined an institutional delegation to Nigeria. The team, which included Dr Palesa Mathopa, Acting Senior Director in the International Office, along with Dr Priscilla Mensah, Ms Gabby Dlamini, Mrs Karen Snyman, and Mr Qhama Bona, represented Mandela University at the inaugural West Africa Hub Convening in Lagos, hosted by the Pan-Atlantic University on March 14 and 15, 2024.
The conference, themed "Building an Ecosystem of Excellence for Research, leadership, and Graduate Employability," provided a platform for Dr Damons to contribute to a panel discussion on "Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships between Universities and Their Communities: During this session, Dr Damons showcased Nelson Mandela University's converged approach to engagement, emphasising the significance of Hubs of Convergence as tangible spaces embodying this approach. Moreover, the conference served as a valuable networking opportunity, enabling Mandela University to expand its African footprint further and strengthen partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region.
The participation of the Mandela University delegation underscores the institution's commitment to fostering collaborative initiatives, driving positive change, and advancing excellence both locally and internationally.