media releases - Announcement on critical service delivery areas

The management of the University of South Africa (Unisa) is cognisant that several areas critical to service delivery to students may have been affected by the recent strike by some Unisa employees. Management has also noted that some of the challenges may have been carried over from the strike at the South African Post Office a few weeks ago.

To this end, the university has resolved as follows on these matters:

On the closing date for application for the second semester

-       The university has resolved to extend the closing date for the application from 19 April to 30 April 2013.

On the application for student funding

-       Noting that the strike may have impacted on the ability of students to submit their application for funding on time, the university has resolved to extend the deadline for the submission of applications to 30 April 2013. No late application will be considered for funding.

On delayed delivery of study material to students

-       The university is aware of the challenges posed by the postal strike with regard to delivery of study material. At the time of the postal strike, the university put in place alternative measures such as using the courier service and advising students timely to access the study material on line via the myUnisa platform. Students who are still experiencing challenges with receipt of study material are further advised to contact the Unisa Dispatch Department at (012) 429-2806. Please note that each case will be considered on its own merits.         

On assignments reaching the university late due to the postal strike

-       The university had earlier extended the assignment submission deadlines to 15 April 2013, taking into cognisance delays caused by the postal strike. Having recognised that more delays have resulted due to the strike action, we have resolved that all assignments received by 19 April 2013 will still be marked and feedback expedited to students accordingly.   

On delayed assignment feedback to students and the May/June examination

-       The university commenced with the provision of assignment feedback to students on 15 April and the May/June 2013 examination will proceed as planned, effective from 6 May 2013.  

-Ends-