2006 Tutu Fellow Kunyalala Maphisa has been appointed to the Council of the University of Cape Town. The appointment, which was made by the Minister of Higher Education, Bonginkosi (Blade) Nzimande, was made on 19 June 2020. UCT Council members typically serve for four years. Under the law governing the university, the Minister is entitled to appoint up to five people to the Council and the council's members recently began their 2020-2024 stint.
The Council governs the university and its responsibilities include determining the mission, objectives, goals, strategies and policies for the progress of the institution. Kunyalala is a UCT alumnus, obtaining both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university.
Kunyalala is the co-founder and Principal Partner for Brighton Wealth Subsaharan, a South African based investment and advisory firm with a diversified investment portfolio. She is also the President of BWASA, the Business Women's Association of South Africa, the largest association of professionals and businesswomen in South Africa.Kunya continues to occasionally represent South African business at various national and international meetings and forums, including the United Nations, SADC meetings, and at regional African Union (AU) meetings in various African countries. Further, she occasionally writes and comments on business transformation and has presented papers at various national and international forums.
As part of her corporate social responsibility work, she works with various non-profit organisations, building capacity and assisting with resource mobilization and strategy development. Kunya is a member of various bodies globally, including the Crans Montana Forum as a Young Global Leader.
The minister said in his appointment letter that he was confident that the Council and University would benefit immensely from Kunya's expertise and experience.
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