VUT ALUMNI PRELAUNCHES BOOK ON CAMPUS AND DONATES THIRTY COPIES TO THE LIBRARY
By: Puleng Maphisa- 28 October 2022
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted the pre-launch of one its alumni, Tshepiso Dumasi’s book: Uncovered at the Sisonke Staff Restaurant. Dumasi also donated 30 copies of his book to the University Library.
A self-proclaimed sales and marketing boffin, Dumasi holds a national diploma, B-Tech, and M-Tech degree in Marketing which he obtained from VUT. He recently graduated with his B-Comm in Economics from UNISA and is currently coining his proposal for PhD in economics.
Born and raised in Teneriffe, a small village north of Polokwane in the Limpopo province, Dumasi is a perfect example that your background does not determine your destination. Today, he sits in the echelons of Bidvest as its General Manager.
As a visionary leader with astute business acumen, his success can be traced on several multinational companies which led to his indelible footprint in countries such as Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
A husband, father, author, and a life coach, Dumasi’s mission is clearcut – to motivate people through his book. In addition to launching his book, part of his visit to VUT was to motivate third-year marketing students through a lecture. In his talk, he mentioned to students the importance of knowing who one can be within the marketing industry and highlighted the importance of understanding the market trades.
He challenged students to research types of trades within the country and those not provided but can bring a change in the economy. He said that students should look at how importing and exporting goods during trading can have advantages and disadvantages in the country’s economy. He echoed the need to have a connected Africa that will directly help the trade, especially the raw materials that are cheaply exported out of Africa. He focused on international exports and marketing and how that impacts our business and industry. “We can only realise and understand the value of being beneficiaries of our raw materials, minerals and products once we harness good Leadership,” he said
Mr Dumasi mentioned that he made many mistakes growing up, but that never stopped him from dreaming. He said that to reach a dream, one should draw a picture in their mind and play it like a movie daily. He believes that if the speed of change is more incredible than your left, you will fail.
About his Book (Uncovered)
One reason that led him to write a book was because of what he describes as leadership deficiency within the country. “I saw a gap for young people to have or to learn about aspirational Leadership. There has been a lot of focus on helping young girls to be better, and I realise there is a gap in targeting young boys. This book doesn’t leave girls out but talks about a young boy who grows up without a father, and as a result, I saw a need to write a book to motivate young,” said Mr Dumisa
His book includes topics such as finding your purpose, how to be an emotional leader and how to be a leader with integrity. Mr Dumasi said that today’s generation faces the challenge of having leaders who lack integrity, and his book turns to address such.
Although Uncovered is his first baby as an author, he believes that it will open doors for his writing skills. His focus right now is to continue with his roadshows across the provinces. He is ready to write the second book, which will come out in three years.
VUT’s Alumni Relations, which ensured that the event sees the light of day, acknowledged the presence of Mr Dumasi and Thanked him for the donation. “Thanks for the copies donated and given away; we have now added your literature to the shelves in your alma mater’s library. And this event was just a pre-launch to your book launch,” said Mr Masombuka showing gratitude on behalf of VUT.
Donated copies of the book were received by Ms Biziwe Tembe: Manager- Client Services at the Library & Information Services and Ms Moiteki Ntuli: HoD- Circulation Services at the Library & Information Services and Mrs Ndumi Lufele: Director of Stakeholder Engagement at VUT.