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On Wednesday 7 April 2010, Acting Principal of the University of South Africa, Prof David Mosoma, officially received two mobile services units on behalf of Unisa from Mercedes-Benz Vans in Zwartkop, Pretoria. The mobile service units purchased by Unisa at a cost of about R2 million will serve Unisa students in the rural areas of the North West, Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.
“Through this investment, we need to ensure that we penetrate all the areas where we have students to ensure that they also get learner support and other essential services, since Unisa is an Open Distance Learning (ODL) university,” said Prof Mosoma. He reiterated that the South African government has entrusted Unisa with the responsibility of ensuring that students have access to education, thereby educating the nation.
He explained that students will be able to register and access other services they may require; the university will also be using them for marketing and student recruitment purposes.
When handing over the vehicles, the Brand Manager of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mr Nicolai Berger, indicated that they were proud to have been chosen by Unisa to be part of this important project. He added that South Africa needs education to ensure that there is a better life for all.
The vehicles were converted and fitted with satellite dishes and LCD screens. Other Information and Communication Technology equipment will be installed by Unisa’s ICT Department. Computer equipment will be installed for accessibility to myUnisa and other digital learners support initiatives. The project was initiated as rural students were not receiving a bouquet of services Unisa provides as opposed to their urban counterparts. | 
