University of Pretoria - TuksAlumni

02/06/2026

Season 6 of the launches today! Our first guest is businessman and UP alumnus Christopher Williams, Director of CJ Distribution.

In this episode, Williams speaks about growing a business from a small operation into a national footprint and his role in a major JSE listing.

The LeadUP Podcast gives the and the public access to leading UP alumni and associates and the lessons behind their success. Listen to the full episode now at www.up.ac.za/alumni/podcasts, on YouTube, or on your favourite podcast app.

01/06/2026

We applaud UP alumna and Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida, on her graduation with a Master’s degree in International Affairs in New York City!

From her undergraduate studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at UP to the global stage at Columbia, Musida continues to embody what it means to be a UP graduate.

Her story speaks to the heart of : while the gown may be new, the foundation behind it, family, sacrifice, mentorship and community, remains unchanged across generations. Congratulations, Shudu!

01/06/2026

Calling all recent UP graduates!

The UP Career Services Graduate Jobs Database is now open. Connect with employers and explore job opportunities, internships and graduate programmes.

Register here: https://ow.ly/7JBo50Z5x5J

26/05/2026

is brought to you by Tharquinn Manuel 🔴🔵⚪

He recently graduated during the current autumn graduation season after obtaining his BEd in Senior Phase and FET qualification at UP-Tuks. 🎓👏

Key achievements as a player:
🏆 2022 FNB champion
🏆 2024 Varsity Shield champion
🏆 2024 USSA Rugby 7s Championships winner

Manuel also stood out during the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield campaign, where he was crowned both Overall Player That Rocks and Back That Rocks.

A true example of excellence on and off the field.

| 💡⭐️

26/05/2026

Businessman and UP alumnus Christopher Williams joins the on Tuesday, 2 June for the Season 6 premiere.

On this episode, he shares:
▪️ Why did he choose pharmacy instead of farming?
▪️ Launching a wholesale business during a difficult time for pharmacies.
▪️ Helping to build The Local Choice franchise pharmacy brand.

Until then, catch up on previous episodes on YouTube or your favourite podcast app.

22/05/2026

🎓 As graduation season continues, thousands of new graduates are preparing for their next chapter.

To celebrate the Class of 2026, UP alumnus Christopher Williams – Director of CJ Distribution and the first guest of Season 6 of the , shares advice for graduates entering the working world, business and leadership spaces.

🎥 Watch his message and stay tuned for Season 6, launching on 2 June. Explore past episodes: www.up.ac.za/alumni/podcasts

21/05/2026

Raise a glass, change a life: The University of Pretoria, in partnership with Zoetendal Vineyards, invites you to an exclusive alumni wine-tasting experience in Pretoria in support of our campaign.

Hosted by Vice-Chancellor & Principal Professor Francis Petersen and alumnus Mulalo Tshivhase, this elegant evening brings together experience and purpose – raising funds to help students settle historic debt and graduate.

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://fixr.co/event/zoetendal-vineyards-alumni-wine-tasting-event-tickets-983730482?region=za

Book your ticket today and be part of something meaningful. Limited seats available.

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

WHO’S NEXT ON THE LEADUP PODCAST? 👀🎙️

He helped build the wholesale distribution engine behind one of South Africa’s biggest pharmacy retailers. Can you guess who our next guest is?

Here’s what we can tell you about him:

✔️ He’s a UP Pharmacy graduate.
✔️ He is Director of CJ Distribution, the logistics business behind Dis-Chem.
✔️ He played a role in Dis-Chem’s listing on the JSE.
✔️ He also helped build The Local Choice pharmacy brand.

Any guesses? Drop them below! 👇

Keep an 👀 on our page for the guest reveal – and diarise Tuesday 2 June for our Season 6 kick-off!

19/05/2026