Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has welcomed Letsai William Mashishi as its new Senior Officer: Convocation Administration, a strategic appointment that places him at the heart of convocation relations, governance, and institutional development. His role encompasses convocation relations administration, committee secretariat duties, project coordination, payment administration, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety, health, and environmental policies.
Born and raised in Soshanguve, Mashishi’s journey into higher education was defined by perseverance, academic excellence, and an enduring passion for administration. He earned his National Diploma in Marketing from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) before expanding his qualifications at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he achieved a B-Tech in Marketing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Leadership. He is now pursuing a Doctor of Business Leadership at UNISA’s School of Business Leadership, which he expects to complete in 2026.
His career in higher education administration began at UNISA in 2009, where he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Business Development Specialist and later as Acting Director of Executive Education. These roles honed his skills in strategy development, project management, stakeholder engagement, and executive education programme delivery. Over a span of 14 years, Mashishi built a formidable reputation as a leader capable of managing resources, people, and projects with precision.
His academic journey has also been underscored by a commitment to research and scholarship. In September 2025, he presented preliminary findings from his doctoral research at the Short Learning Programmes Intervarsity Forum, hosted by the University of the Free State. This milestone, he says, reinforced his love for research and the value of contributing to academic knowledge while advancing institutional development.
At SMU, Mashishi’s central focus is on supporting the Convocation structure – a statutory governance body responsible for linking the University with its alumni and former academic staff. “Convocation represents continued engagement with our alma mater. Its members are brand ambassadors, mentors, volunteers, and donors who play a vital role in advancing SMU’s strategic objectives,” he noted.
He aligns his work with SMU’s Strategy 2024–2028, which emphasises strengthening alumni networks to secure donor funding, industry partnerships, and third-stream income. For Mashishi, this is more than administration; it is about building sustainable pathways for SMU’s growth and influence.
The demands of his portfolio are considerable, often extending beyond office hours to accommodate the schedules of Convocation Executive Committee members. “Flexibility is crucial,” he reflected. “Evening and weekend meetings are part of the rhythm of this role, ensuring constant communication and alignment with stakeholders.”
His work also requires meticulous governance and confidentiality. “All documents are securely stored on password-protected platforms. Upholding governance standards and trust is non-negotiable,” he emphasised.
Looking to the future, Mashishi sees data management and fundraising as transformative tools to enhance alumni participation. Personally, he is inspired by the broader vision: “With declining government funding, universities must rely more on alumni and private donors. My focus is on building lasting networks that sustain SMU for generations to come.”
For young professionals aspiring to enter higher education administration, his advice is straightforward: “Be outward-looking, embrace continuous learning, and see beyond the immediate task. Higher education is about impact — both within the university and far beyond its walls.”
By Tumelo Moila
