HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Executive Committee - Application Process 2026
HSSAA Objective/Vision
The purpose of the Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Association (HSSAA) is to collaborate and have an opportunity to gain Alumni input in making a meaningful contribution towards a prioritised HSSAA agenda. Alumni participation contributes towards the process of building a relevant, yet sustainable future for the HSSAA and will be of great value to the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) herein referred to as the ‘Institute’. The HSSAA will be guided by the following objectives:
1. To initiate and strengthen engagement and networking between all NIHSS partners and stakeholders.
2. To present and showcase work by all Alumni; and
3. To encourage peer and expert-led feedback which encourages Alumni to think critically, in-depth, and creatively about research work.
APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS
The outgoing and inaugural Executive Committee of the Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Association (HSSAA) of 2022-2025 is exiting the helm of the Alumni and a new Executive Committee is set to take over and lead the institution to new heights and form. Therefore, this call requests those interested in leading and serving the vision of the HSSAA to apply for positions in the forthcoming National Executive Committee and Provincial/Corridor Chapters:
National HSSAA: Five national positions (Official Executive Structure)
Position | Synopsis of position |
President | The President is the volunteer leader of the Association who presides over all the meetings of the Association and other meetings as required. The President shall have general control over the affairs of the Association and perform other duties as prescribed by the Association. |
Deputy-President | The HSSAA Deputy President shall perform and discharge the duties of the President in case of the absence, death, or disability of the President; shall serve as chairperson of the election committee; and perform such other duties as prescribed by the President and/or the Association. |
Convenor Marketing and Communication | The Marketing and Communication Convenor serve as the conduit through which the Alumni Association information flows. The Marketing and Communication Convenor will prepare written copy describing Alumni Association programs and activities to include the who, what, when and where type of information (Implementation Plan). |
Convenor International | The International Convenor serves as the conduit through which the non-South African (CODESRIA) Alumni Association members' information flows. |
Secretary | The secretary is responsible for making and preserving a record of all proceedings of the Alumni chapter meetings. The secretary shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the President and the Alumni chapter. |
Who should apply?
The application for National positions is open to all graduates of the NIHSS SAHUDA and CODESRIA Programmes. It is important to note for those applying for these positions that they are volunteer positions, meaning no remuneration is attached to any of the positions. Rather, the HSSAA is an institution that requires and asks alumni in positions of leadership to serve the greater good of the HSSAA and NIHSS.
Requirements
Those interested in applying need to send
1. A two-page application/motivation letter. The letter should give:
- a brief biography explaining which position (structure) you want to serve in and why you are the ideal candidate for it
- Explain whether you have taken part in any HSSAA alumni event
- Give one major objective you will advance when elected to the HSSAA Executive Committee.
2. A copy of ID/Passport.
3. Complete the application form at https://nihss.ac.za/form/hss-alumni-association-executive
Deadline and Process
The following process will be administered by the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences via an online process.
Crucial Dates and Time | Process |
07 August 2026 | Opening of Executive Positions Application Period. |
04 September 2026 | Closure for Executive Positions. |
09 September 2026 | Announcement of Shortlisted Individuals for Executive Positions. |
TBC | HSSAA Special Meeting. Voting, Announcement of Results and New Office Bearers |
All prospective applicants are asked to adhere to the given deadlines and times, as late submissions will negatively impact the outlined process. Voting will occur at the ad hoc HSSA AGM. Voting, Announcement of Results and New Office Bearers.
Contact
Name: Dr Danille Arendse
Email: hssalumni@nihss.ac.za