University of Pretoria - TuksAlumni

29/09/2026

New out now!

How do you take a proudly South African business from local roots to the international stage?

Ahead of International Podcast Day tomorrow, UP alumna and entrepreneur Michelle Mokone joins host Lennox Wasara to talk about building Mo’s Crib, turning recycled PVC piping into homeware, working with skilled artisans, and growing a brand that now works with major retailers in South Africa and abroad.

🎙️ Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/0yVG2gJqv_I

23/09/2026

Meet Michelle Mokone, our next guest – on an episode out Tuesday 29 September!

The UP alumna, entrepreneur and co-founder of Mo’s Crib shares insights on:

* Building a global homeware business from local roots.
* Turning recycled PVC piping into stylish homeware.
* Working with skilled artisans to build an international brand.

Stream the new episode next Tuesday!

17/09/2026

CAN YOU GUESS WHO'S NEXT? 👀

Our next guest is a UP alumna who turned a creative side hustle into an internationally recognised business.

💠 Agricultural Economics graduate
💠 Co-founder of a proudly South African homeware brand
💠 Transforms discarded PVC piping into stylish, sustainable products
💠 Products sold locally and internationally
💠 Also co-founded a sneaker-laundry business

Any guesses? Catch the guest reveal soon and tune in on 29 September for the new episode. Listen to previous episodes: www.up.ac.za/alumni/podcasts

Learn from leading alumni and friends of the University of Pretoria (UP) on this podcast. From titans of business to innovators in science and the humanities, prominent voices from the UP family across disciplines describe where their journey has taken them since their time at Tuks – and they offe...

16/09/2026

Would an aesthetic doctor approve of your skincare routine?

In this light-hearted outtake, host Lennox Wasara puts his skincare products in front of UP alumna Dr Karishma Ramdev for an expert rating – and gets her take on the products he uses.

It’s a fun look at skincare, but also a chance to hear practical insights from an aesthetic doctor about the products we use every day. Catch the latest episode on YouTube or your favourite podcast app.

07/09/2026

A glimpse into the Tuks Alumni Fan Zone during the Tshwane Derby.

Join us this Friday and enter our competition on UP Alumni Connect for your chance to WIN tickets and bring a +1.

Sign up or download the UP Alumni Connect platform and head to the Events Board to enter: https://upalumniconnect.com/events

04/09/2026

Our TuksClub 60+ Alumni Chapter came together recently for its second 2026 gathering.

UP’s longest-running alumni chapter continues to create opportunities for alumni to connect, learn and engage. Members enjoyed meaningful conversations and a thought-provoking presentation by UP alumnus Dr Fanie Cronjé, who spoke on ‘Propaganda and Reality: Archaeology, Assyrian Reliefs, and Isaiah’s Theology of Trust’.

Read more about the event: https://ow.ly/vzIT50ZL7gj

26/08/2026

M&G 200 Young South Africans: Celebrating excellence at the University of Pretoria!

25 UP-affiliated students, graduates and UP-affiliates have been named among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans for 2026. Their achievements reflect the strength, diversity and impact of the UP community – from communication and entrepreneurship to law, education and international sport.

We are proud of every honouree shaping tomorrow through knowledge, leadership and service.
Congratulations to the entire 2026 cohort!

Read more: https://ow.ly/R3qs50ZFKem

26/08/2026

What happens when a setback becomes a stepping stone?

In the latest episode of the , UP alumna Dr Karishma Ramdev reflects on not winning Miss South Africa in 2018 and the valuable lessons she took from the experience.

She returned to the competition in 2020, with a different perspective shaped by what she had learned the first time around. Full episode available on YouTube or your favourite podcast app.

21/08/2026

Congratulations, Pontsho Maruping!

UP celebrates alumna Pontsho Maruping, named Woman of the Year in Science for her transformative career spanning mining, engineering, space science and radio astronomy.

A 2006 UP graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Technology Management, Pontsho has gone on to become Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), breaking boundaries and inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.

We are proud to call you a UP alumna, Pontsho!

19/08/2026

What’s in the bag of a woman who seems to do it all?🎒

In this fun clip, UP alumna Dr Karishma Ramdev gives us a glimpse into her everyday essentials – and the busy life behind them.

From aesthetic medicine and entrepreneurship to content creation and inspiring others, her episode is packed with insights on confidence, authenticity and building a career on your own terms. Listen to the full episode on YouTube or in your favourite podcast app.