The DAAD Alumni Association of South Africa (DASA) brought together DAAD alumni from across the country for its 2026 Strategy Summit, held on 12–13 September at the Indaba Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa in Johannesburg. The two-day meeting was designed to strengthen strategic alignment, identify priorities for the year ahead, and translate these into a practical implementation plan.
Friederike Heinz addresses participants during the DASA Strategy Summit, sharing perspectives on alumni engagement, academic exchange and the importance of giving back through knowledge, mentorship and collaboration.
The Summit provided an important opportunity for alumni to contribute directly to the development of the Association. Discussions focused on the core areas of Governance, the Constitution, Activities, Membership, Fundraising and Partnerships, with participants sharing perspectives on how DASA can build a strong, sustainable and responsive organization.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of ensuring that DASA’s future programmes are shaped by the needs and experience of its members. Particular attention was given to practical professional-development opportunities, alumni networking, stronger links between academia and industry, and opportunities for alumni to contribute their expertise more broadly. The activities discussion generated a wide range of ideas, which will now be consolidated and further evaluated against criteria including member value, strategic fit, feasibility and potential partner support.
The Summit also benefited from contributions from guests working at the intersection of German–South African academic exchange. Friederike Heinz, DAAD Lecturer at the University of Cape Town and Rico Ehren, DAAD Lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand joined the discussions, while Anica Opperman represented the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg, which is based at the University of the Witwatersrand.
DASA was also pleased to welcome Holger Bodag, Head of Education and Research, from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Pretoria. His participation added a valuable institutional perspective to the discussions on German–South African academic exchange, research and partnerships.
Panel discussion on “The Future of German–South African Academic Exchange: Alumni, Research and Partnerships,” bringing together alumni and invited guests to reflect on collaboration, research links and the future role of the alumni network. Left to Right: Ali Kiayei, Friederike Heinz, Rico Ehren, Emily O’Ryan and Holger Bodag.
The strong participation and constructive engagement across the two days provided DASA with a solid foundation for its next phase of development. The ideas generated at the Summit will now be refined through the relevant working groups and member consultation.
A 2027 DASA activity calendar will be developed on the basis of this input and shared with members in the near future. The intention is to focus on a small number of well-planned, high-value initiatives that can be delivered effectively and sustainably.
The Strategy Summit marked an important step in establishing a member-led, nationally connected DAAD alumni community in South Africa, with a clear focus on collaboration, professional exchange and lasting German–South African academic relationships.
A strong turnout and a shared commitment to building DASA together.
Thank you to all alumni and guests who contributed their time, ideas and experience to the Summit.
