South Africa Alumni

Roselle Sherriff – President: SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee

Roselle completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2005 with a double major in Geography and Environmental Studies and Communication and Media Studies. She began her Bachelor of Arts honours degree with a focus in Geography and Environmental Science in 2006.

“This was the first time that Monash South Africa had honours students, so all the students enrolled in the postgraduate programme were the guinea pigs for the year. It was challenging and exciting, but walking across the stage to receive the degree was so rewarding.”        

After graduation she took a year off, and began a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education through UNISA in 2008, completing her teaching qualification in 2009. She is currently enrolled at UNISA in a Master of Arts with a focus on sustainability in residential developments.

Roselle is currently employed at Monash South Africa as a teacher in the Foundation Programme.
“It was always my goal to work at Monash when I graduated, as I loved the staff and the environment of the campus. I initially thought that my only option was to teach at a high school, but Monash showed me that I could teach in a tertiary environment. I realised that most of my best teachers and lecturers were at Monash and I wanted to be a part of that team.”

Roselle’s plans for the future are to continue her education and develop herself as an academic and as a teacher.  She wants to be an inspiration to her students; and also to be on at the forefront of a green-revolution.

“I enjoy being part of the SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee because I feel as though I am giving something back. It allows me to make new connections and to watch the University grow.  It allows me to stay connected, not only with the people who have graduated, but with the staff as well. “

What you might not know about Roselle:
“I climb trees even though I am afraid of heights.”

Heather Bangwayo - Marketing Director: SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee

Heather completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Communications and Media Studies & Management in 2006.

She also completed her Master’s degree via correspondence study through the University of Leicester whilst working full-time in the Advancement and Corporate Affairs Department at Monash South Africa. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Communications, Media and Public Relations.

Heather is am still employed by Monash South Africa where she worked as an International Student Liaison Officer for 4 years and have recently assumed her new role as the International Marketing Relations Co-ordinator.  

Heather oversees and co-ordinates all international marketing and student recruitment activities in countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon, Namibia, Mozambique and Brazil.

“I’m the girl who came to Monash and because I just loved it so much, just never left. My time here contributed towards my career by ensuring that by the time I graduated, I had developed a very confident “can do” attitude that I had really lacked coming straight out of high school. I held executive positions in the student representative council for two years in a row, I tutored first and second year students when I was in my third year and I was part of the university’s netball team for three years – I basically got myself involved in many different causes and activities on campus. By the end of my third year, I was more than ready to put my strong work ethic that Monash had bestowed on me to good use. I have not looked back since and if I could do it all over again, I would!”

Heather plans to obtain a second Masters degree, possibly in business. She hopes to be able to put that degree to work in a business/marketing related role.

“What I enjoy about being on the SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee is being able to stay in touch with old friends and classmates from university. Being in a student recruitment position at Monash South Africa, seeing and hearing about how our alumni continue to do well and achieve great things all over the world makes my job that much more exciting to do. I can then sell a product (Monash South Africa) that I fully and strongly believe in.”

What you might not know about Heather:
“I was the first ever student to enroll into Monash South Africa from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.”

Hans Haupt - Online Communications Director: SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee

Hans completed his Bachelor of Arts degree, Majoring in Communications and Media Studies in 2006, and followed it up with an honours degree in Communications and Media Studies in 2007, and an MPhil in Communications and Ludology in 2011.

Hans completed all three of his degrees at Monash South Africa; “I am a fan of Monash University and proud to still be a part of the Monash family.” 

Hans has only recently completed his Masters in Communications and Ludology, which he did full-time. He also runs Vamers; a video games and technology based website, The Upper Palatte; a 'foodies' based website, and he is in the process of forming his own Social Media and Digital Marketing agency. He is also a co-owner of a health and wellness centre called Health World, which is in the process of expanding into the largest sports and recreational centre in the East Rand of Johannesburg.

“Studying at Monash University has been invaluable to the person I have become, both personally and professionally. From a personal stand point, I have been privileged enough to befriend some of the most important people in my life during my time at Monash University. Professionally, Monash has provided me with a broad conceptual mindset that I believe has been integral to the management and forward thinking needed to run successful businesses.”

Han’s future plans include completing a Doctorate at Monash University.

 "We can make a difference" - this is an ethos that I firmly believe in and is one of the core values of the South African chapter of the Monash Alumni Steering Committee. Knowing that I have, in some small way, helped changed someone's life for the better offers an immeasurably humble feeling of gratitude and a renewed appreciation for life.” 

What you might not know about Hans:
“I have never been drunk. “

Marika Steenkamp - Events Director: SA Chapter Alumni Steering Committee

Marika completed her Batchelor of Arts degree in 2006, and her Honours in Media Studies and Communication in 2007. She also just completed her Masters in Communication Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

“The way that Monash has contributed towards my career was by shaping my outlook on what excellence in an academic and corporate context entails. My plan for the future is to pursue a career in the Communication and/or Media field and perhaps further my studies.”   

What Marika enjoys most about being part of the Alumni Steering Committee is the social aspect of it.

“It affords a platform to be able to interact with old university friends while providing a resource and a service to current and future Alumni. Also, it allows me to still be part of the Monash family in a tangible way.” 

What you might not know about Marika:
“I am a complete foodie, and love making food almost as much as eating it.”

Laila Soer - The Netherlands

Laila graduated from Monash South Africa in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree; majoring in Environmental Science and Psychology and a minor in Communication and Media Studies.

She then studied towards a Master of Science in Sustainable Development (environmental policy and management) at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where she graduated cum laude in 2006.

Laila is currently working as an environmental consultant for the business sector. She gives advice on how companies can adhere to national and EU-level environmental law, as well as undertaking research on how companies can reduce energy use, and the waste they produce. She is enjoying developing her specialty in the field of spatial planning and environment. 

“My time at Monash sparked my love for environmental science, provided me with an excellent basis for my further studies, and of course I have kept a good network from my time there. The letters of recommendation I received from Monash granted me access to the masters' programme in Holland; and my time as president of the Student Association further developed my leadership skills and taught me responsibility.”

Laila’s future plans include combining her current job with a PhD thesis. She is looking for external partners (such as the EU) for financial assistance. She hopes to obtain her Dr. title by her early 30s and then move back to South Africa for a while (perhaps lecture at Monash?); or move to Brussels and work at the EU or the UN for a few years in a more internationally orientated function.

Vivek Rajdev - Kenya

Vivek graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors of Commerce in Marketing and Management.

After leaving Monash he worked as a part-time Accountant for a tour company, a sales executive for a corrugated carton company and an export officer for east and central Africa’s largest paint company.

As an export officer he had the opportunity to travel to countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Southern Sudan and Seychelles. He learned about international markets and was able to successfully implement what he studied at Monash.

Vivek is currently working at Afro Plastics Kenya Limited, as the head of sales and marketing for the Kenyan market.

“My time at Monash taught me how to communicate to people in different cultures. In my line of work this is very important as I tend to interact with many people from different backgrounds and communities. Being multi cultural, South Africa helped me to understand various cultures when I returned home. Monash also helped me improve my personal skills, and I believe this has led me on my career path to where I am today.”

Vivek’s future plans are to start his own business in either manufacturing and/or distribution of household goods in central and eastern Africa. He also hopes to open his own consultancy some day, and would like to start studying towards an MBA in Marketing soon.

Anesu Hama Magada - Zimbabwe

Anesu graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree, specialising in Accounting. He enrolled with UNISA this year to study towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences. 

Anesu is currently working for Excel Integration (Pty) Ltd, as a Report Consultant / Writer in the Business Intelligence Field. His job involves analysing processes within organisations which involve report preparation, with a view to automating the whole process and to provide more accurate reporting.

“I found the Monash curriculum to be very extensive. It was not solely restricted to Accounting and Audit work, but rather enabled me to appreciate the vast nature of business in general.”

After completing his studies at Monash, Anesu had a short stint doing Auditing work which he did not enjoy that much, and decided to try out something new. With the recommendation of one of his lecturers, he ventured into the business intelligence field, where he is currently working, and enjoying it.

Biance Ralph (previously Buitendag) – South Africa

Biance graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, majoring in Management and Marketing. After graduating she travelled through Europe for a while.

At Monash, Biance realised she loved the advertising side of marketing and wanted to pursue that.  She moved to Knysna and started working for a local magazine, eventually heading up the advertsing side such as overseeing all the artwork and the production of the magazine.

After realising she enjoyed the creative jobs like working with clients and taking control of the artwork, Biance started working for a printing house and taught herself graphic design.

After about two years, she decided to open her own business, working in publishing and graphic design.

“Having a Monash business degree has helped in so many areas. It gives you those first few steps ahead of everyone else. Its a good thing to have that foundation, no matter wat field you end up going in. I studied business management, and now I have my own business - in a very different field than I initially planned -  but I still use all the knowledge from my degree in everything I do. It’s a very exciting industry to work in and its go, go, go all the way… no stoping for air!”

Biance’s business is still new, but she is positive about the future, and has no doubt that its going to do very well.

Gertrude Thompson - Zimbabwe

Gertrude graduated in 2001 with a BA in International Relations and Marketing.

After studying at Monash she completed an honours degree in Marketing Communications at the University of Johannesburg.

Gertrude is currently working at Avon Justine (Pty) Ltd in the marketing department in the Justine skincare category, the largest category in Justine.

“ It has been such a great experience and the sound education I received from Monash has given me confidence in my position. I create products and market them, and I have had a chance to use most of what I learnt at Monash. It really is amazing, I enjoy myself because I am empowered by the education I received at Monash. This makes my job all the more fun.

Monash gave me a very holistic approach towards the marketing discipline and I am able to fit in anywhere within the entire Justine marketing team from product management to the creative side. I apply everything that I learnt  to make sound business decisions for my brands. I love that I have relevant knowledge because I went to a good university. It was worth every moment I spent at Monash.

The relationship I had with my lecturers made learning easy. I find other people struggling and because of that I really appreciate my Monash education. I am proud of my university. I am product of the greatest brand!”

In the near future, Gertrude would like to study further and hopes to open her own marketing communications agency.