Unisa online - First completion phase for Florida's new science labs

Ready to spark science and technology research innovation at Unisa’s new laboratories, from left: Dr Molapo Qhobela (Vice-Principal: Institutional Development), Prof Gugu Moche (Executive Dean: College of Science, Engineering and Technology), Thelma Louw (Acting Director: Florida Campus), Prof Maggi Linington (Executive Dean: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences), Israel Mogomotsi (Acting Executive Director: University Estates) and Prof Mandla Makhanya (Principal and Vice-Chancellor)

Prof Makhanya cuts the ribbon that symbolises the completion of the first phase of the project

After seven months of development, one of the three state-of-the-art science laboratories has been completed at Unisa’s Florida Campus. Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on 22 March 2012 at the hub area to recognise this significant stride in building development.

Israel Mogomotsi (Acting Executive Director: University Estates), delivered the opening and welcome address as the Unisa choir added a proudly authentic sound to the event.  

Prof Maggi Linington (Executive Dean: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences), discussed the impact that these labs will have on the college, stressing that they will increase Unisa’s footprint in terms of research. “We will be able to attract the top new scientists in the country. This is the place to be and we expect to increase researchers by up to four hundred percent.”

Prof Gugu Moche (Executive Dean: College of Science, Engineering and Technology), shared her excitement about the significance of the new laboratories as CSET is the second college that will be based at the Florida Campus. She said the new development will propel Unisa even further. “We are now at the cusp of another growth of the college and we will be able to deliver more outputs and have state of the art, innovative researchers.”

Highlighting Unisa’s efforts to become more than just an open distance learning institution, Prof Makhanya stated that the university’s development has been unique. He said that Unisa has a larger role to play in South Africa in terms of scientific research. “The role of the university is to ensure that the country grows; educationally, politically, economically and socially. From now on we are going to play a significant role in the sciences.” Playing his role of support, Prof Makhanya cut the ribbon, which symbolised the opening of the engineering lab.

Staff were then given an opportunity to walk through the doors of the completed labs to see the progress made. Thrilled by the potential of the labs, staff shared their thoughts.

Nemakwarani Mutshekwa (Despatch), excited by the benefits said, “This will enable students to do practicals, which leads to employment and a better future for them.” Equally ecstatic was Pramod Sinha (Civil and Chemical Engineering), saying, “This is an excellent construction and excellent design. It makes my job as a lecturer easier.” Prof Jimmy Hendrick (School of Environmental Sciences) stated that there weren’t enough adjectives to describe the project. “This is a realisation of a dream. It provides a facility dedicated to students and highlights the major success story of these labs.”

Construction of the laboratories is expected to be completed by late October this year.

Unisa’s Florida Campus choir welcoming guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony

A sneak peak at the engineering labs

A plaque highlighting Prof Makhanya’s contribution to the project