We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ms Kashini Maistry as the new Director of Institutional Advancement at Sol Plaatje University (SPU). Ms Maistry is a familiar face within the SPU community, having joined us in 2019 as the first Senior Manager in Communication and Marketing following which she was seconded as the Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor.
She holds qualifications from Wellesley College in the United States and the University of the Witwatersrand. With a diverse background in advancement, administration, and development, at leading South African universities, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new position. Ms Maistry officially begins her new role today, 1 August 2024.
Speaking about her passion and vision for the department, she expressed her enthusiasm for communication and the written word, fostering enduring partnerships, and developing her team. “My plan is fivefold: create a team that is well-suited to our needs (fit-for-purpose), advance the digitalization of the office, establish a unit that cultivates strong partnerships to generate third-stream income, enhance and strengthen the SPU brand, and ensure meaningful and impactful community engagement.”
Elaborating on her vision for a strong and effective advancement office, Ms Maistry stated, “As SPU marks a decade of existence, it’s imperative that we continue to involve the entire community in contributing to the growing brand and making SPU the preferred choice for staff and students. To achieve this, we need to consistently engage with the community, be transparent, and continue to champion social justice.”
Reflecting on her recent appointment, she shared, “I always have a destination, but in life, there will be detours which if embraced will eventually lead you back onto your original path. I am excited to work with this team, which has consistently demonstrated its capabilities. I eagerly anticipate the future with both excitement and optimism.”
On behalf of the SPU community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms Maistry on her new role as Director of Institutional Advancement. We look forward to the exciting opportunities and advancements that lie ahead.
