Unisa online - A thunderous welcome for Prof Makhanya

Mr Convy Baloyi with students at Prof Makhanya's recent meeting with students

Whistles, together with a loud and hearty applause, greeted Prof Mandla Makhanya as he delivered his first student address as Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

His message to students was to work hard as they are the future of Unisa and Africa. Speaking on 2 March 2011 on the Sunnyside campus, together with members of management, Prof Makhanya said that as an ODL institution, Unisa is unlike conventional and residential universities, and students therefore need to be dedicated and committed.

Prof Makhanya spoke on procedures and systems, and said that when students apply to study through Unisa, they will be profiled to ensure they are choosing the right qualification. Students will also be advised with regard to the number of modules they choose. He also encouraged students to read as much as possible and become quality students. “Unisa wants to build a nation that reads.”

In terms of learner support, Prof Makhanya said that students should make thorough use of the learner support programme as they will benefit from the services offered. He also said that Unisa management was working to increase the use of technology in all spheres of university life for students, including the possibility of laptops for students.  

Some of the issues raised by students included

• being prevented from entering the examination hall, especially by security guards, even if they have a valid reason for being late
• the provision and cost of laptops 
• the lack of commitment from lecturers who do not answer calls, respond to e-mails or even forward students’ enquiries to other lecturers 
• producing Unisa material in African languages
• the need for banks and postal services at the Sunnyside student hub
• security guards making a noise in the buildings where students study and read
• the low quality of tutorial classes and the small number of tutorial classes held 
• receiving paper student cards 
• the low pass rates and throughput rates of African and Coloured students