Qaqamba Mhlauli
Cape Town
Summary
Qaqamba Mhlauli is a passionate and experienced higher education professional with over twelve years of expertise in student recruitment, marketing, admissions, retention, events, communications, and career guidance. She currently serves as the Student Recruitment Manager for Undergraduate Studies at the University of the Western Cape and supports the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, driving initiatives that enhance access, engagement, and success for students.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Recruitment Manager - Student Enrolment Management Unit & Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of the Western Cape
Bellville
05.2024 - Current
- Lead undergraduate student recruitment initiatives, including strategy planning, outreach, and engagement with prospective students, parents, teachers, and school counselors.
- Coordinate all pre-enrolment activities in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Organize recruitment visits and career guidance sessions in partnership with CCEA, WUSC, UNHCR, WCED, and other stakeholders.
- Support international and refugee applicants in equating academic documents through Universities South Africa (USAF).
- Coordinate the selection and recruitment of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, ensuring alignment with the program’s target demographics (70% female, 20% displaced/refugees, 10% living with a disability, 10% international students).
- Develop and maintain partnerships to expand recruitment pipelines and promote the program across schools, communities, and countries.
- Create recruitment content for digital and social media platforms to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Provide guidance and advisory support to prospective students on programme offerings, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
- Track recruitment activities, maintain data systems, and generate reports to measure outcomes against enrolment targets.
- Plan, coordinate, attend, and host events such as career exhibitions, subject choice sessions, school visits, open day, campus tours, Grade 9 subject choice, and parent evenings, both in-person and online.
Student Recruitment Officer (Science Faculty)
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Identify and recruit undergraduate students, focusing on expanding the diversity profile of the faculty.
- Organize and attend recruitment events and career fairs, both in-person and online.
- Promote undergraduate programmes via social media and digital content creation.
- Liaise with internal departments, SU Recruitment and Careers Office, and external stakeholders.
- Handle enquiries from prospective students, parents, and teachers; support campus visitors.
- Strategically identify and explore feeder areas to strengthen recruitment pipelines.
Post School Success Associate Manager
Nova Pioneer
Johannesburg
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Conduct one-on-one consultations with students and parents to assist with career planning and post-school exploration.
- Facilitate subject choice sessions for IGCSE, AS, and A Levels (Grades 8 - 13).
- Guide students in completing international and local university applications, including standardized testing preparation, personal statements, and supporting documentation.
- Source and advise on financial aid, bursaries, and scholarship opportunities; assist with applications.
- Liaise with universities, parents, and internal staff to advocate for student applications.
- Coordinate and manage events such as career exhibitions, university school visits and parent evenings.
- Oversee student preparation for entrance tests (SAT, NBTs), including mock tests, practice resources, and registration guidance.
- Support alumni relations programs, including lectures, workshops, and academic networking initiatives.
Senior Student Recruitment Officer
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein
01.2013 - 12.2021
- Provided academic and career guidance to prospective students across multiple curricula (IEB, CAPS, IB, Cambridge).
- Assisted students with university applications, financial aid, and scholarship submissions.
- Conducted outreach to schools, colleges, and communities through presentations, career fairs, and campus tours.
- Developed and implemented marketing and recruitment strategies, including digital and social media campaigns.
- Built and maintained relationships with internal faculties, school counselors, and external stakeholders locally, regionally (SADC), rest of Africa, and internationally (Asia).
- Managed recruitment databases, analyzed trends, and developed strategies to improve student recruitment and retention.
- Coordinated and hosted institutional events to promote student engagement and enrolment.
Education
BCom (Hons) - Management
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa01-2025
Advanced Diploma - Project Management
University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa12-2021
Professional Academic Advising -
University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa12-2019
BA - Communication Sciences: Media Studies and Journalism
University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa06-2012
Skills
- Strategic recruitment planning
- Pipeline engagement
- School outreach and stakeholder networking
- Digital media and content creation
- Communication skills
- Event planning and project coordination
- Enquiry management and student advising
- Data tracking and reporting
- Written and verbal communication
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Initiative and teamwork
- Relationship building
- Adaptability across environments
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to travel
References
- Nomonde Mbadi, Director: Student Recruitment Services, University of the Free State, MbadiN@ufs.ac.za, 072 613 7104
- Kgati Nyama, Senior Manager, University of Kwazulu Natal, Nyamak@ukzn.ac.za, 071 312 1330
- Sibulelo Ganda, Coordinator: Recruitment & Liaison, University of the Western Cape, ssganda@uwc.ac.za, 063 423 4442
Timeline
Student Recruitment Manager - Student Enrolment Management Unit & Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of the Western Cape
05.2024 - Current
Student Recruitment Officer (Science Faculty)
Stellenbosch University
10.2023 - 04.2024
Post School Success Associate Manager
Nova Pioneer
01.2022 - 09.2023
Senior Student Recruitment Officer
University of the Free State
01.2013 - 12.2021
BCom (Hons) - Management
University of The Western Cape
Advanced Diploma - Project Management
University of The Free State
Professional Academic Advising -
University of The Free State
BA - Communication Sciences: Media Studies and Journalism
University of The Free State