Professor Michelle Esau, the Dean of the Faculty of EMS. Image: Supplied

Changing the narrative of what a university can offer for those choosing a career in the economic and management sciences was on the menu this week at a gala dinner for former University of the Western Cape (UWC) students, partners and stakeholders of the institution, and captains of industry.

The evening was about so much more than a delicious spread and top entertainment. The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) presenting the Inaugural Dean’s Dinner was also a chance to connect, network and find innovative ways to best support future leaders in business, entrepreneurship and commerce.

The EMS building’s foyer was transformed into a festive atmosphere, complete with live performances from acclaimed singer and songwriter, Craig Lucas, and internationally renowned South African poet, writer and activist, Diana Ferrus.

The dinner was part of the Faculty Operational Plan (FOP), which emphasised the importance of forging collaborations, partnerships and meaningful engagement with former students, stakeholders and industry leaders. 

Professor Michelle Esau, the Dean of the Faculty of EMS, said these partnerships are critical to broaden the faculty’s strategic goals, which include student success, enhanced research and supervision, and innovation in teaching and learning.

Image: Supplied

Faculty Manager Wasiem Rinquest welcomed the guests and said: “At UWC, we believe that partnerships are not just strategic — they are deeply human. They are built on shared purpose, mutual respect, and a commitment to shaping a better future. 

“Whether in business, policy, or community development, our work in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is grounded in the belief that knowledge must serve society.

“So let us enjoy this evening not just as a meal, but as a moment of connection — a chance to share ideas, explore opportunities, and imagine what we might achieve together.” 

Professor Matete Madiba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, said that any success becomes richer where partnerships are involved.

“Looking back you will hear about our Strategic Goal 4, which has been driving us to take this vital truth very seriously: to understand that any success becomes richer, deeper, wider, when we talk partnerships, intertwined relationships,” she said.

Acclaimed singer and songwriter, Craig Lucas. Image: Supplied

“The new FOP pushes us even further. It talks about intertwined, interconnected futures. So as we come from the past, we are looking at crafting new futures, and we can’t do it alone as a university. We need each one of you. We want to craft not just one future, but futures for all of us. 

“We know that it’s possible, even in the midst of all the current challenges our country is facing. The challenge is not to be overwhelmed. More than ever before, we really need to strengthen those links and ties that we have. When we do that, we are able to achieve a lot.”

Prof Esau told guests that the faculty had been prioritising, through its partnerships, experiential learning and community engagement. 

“If we look at these initiatives, the grand challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment were front and centre. However, as a leadership team and faculty, we recognise that solutions to these grand problems are insurmountable in and of ourselves,” she said. 

“We couldn’t but seek out partnerships with like-minded and sometimes differently-minded individuals and organisations to a common objective, namely supporting our students, graduates and community to truly experience the nature of a better life for all.” 

She reminded guests how, during the Covid-19 pandemic, collaborative partnerships, drawing on social capital, crossing sectoral and national boundaries, contributed to “us getting through possibly the worst time of our lives”. 

Global economic recessions, wars, pandemics, threats in opportunities inherent in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and climate change, among others, highlight the diversity of challenges humanity faces, which could be conquered individually, Prof Esau said.

“Moreover, and without discounting the immense benefits of international partnerships, African problems require African solutions,” she said. 

The evening was fittingly concluded by acknowledging some of the faculty’s partners. Gifts were presented to Kelebogile Moloko, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Prowess Investment Managers, Beverley Moore, chief operating officer (COO) of Khumo Capital, and Yusuf Ebrahim, the director of OASIS Group Holdings.