Unisa online - Port Elizabeth establishes lively Regional Student Forum

Back, from left: Mr H Goeda, Ms L Smith, Mr M Nkgoang (Eastern Cape Regional Manager) Mr Z Desemela, Dr S Moodley (Director ARCSWID) and Mr M Xipula. Front, from left: Mr H Smith (Guest Speaker), Mr M Jordaan, Ms N Thys, Mrs N Giladile and Mrs S Abrahams.

On 15 May 2012, supported by an enthusiastic audience comprising students with disabilities, staff, and representatives from several interested organisations, the Unisa Port Elizabeth Region hosted a successful function to establish a Regional Student Forum for students with disabilities. Although many students were in the midst of their examinations, they were eager to participate in the establishment of the Forum, to share information and concerns, and to socialise.The programme, ably directed by Ms Thato Gugushe, a staff member at the Port Elizabeth Office, commenced with an encouraging welcome address by Mr Motale, the Eastern Cape Regional Manager, who was visibly delighted that the Forum could finally be established.

In his address as the guest speaker, a Unisa student and human resources practitioner at Saint Alban’s Prison, Mr Heinrich Smith, highlighted the importance of setting and reaching goals, advocating for issues of disability, and persevering in overcoming challenges.

Dr Siva Moodley, the Director of The Advocacy & Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD), highlighted Unisa’s commitment to students with disabilities, and provided information on the services of ARCSWiD. He also facilitated the election of members of the Regional Student Forum, and urged members to take collective responsibility for the success of the structure.

Following the establishment of the Forum, brief presentations on Unisa’s services for students with disabilities were made by staff members from the Port Elizabeth Office, namely:

• Ms Fezeka Dakada – bursaries for students with disabilities, as well as library support;
• Ms Nombulelo Lallie – tutorial support; and
• Mrs Sharron Abrahams – Casual Day, pre- and post-examinations, retention and throughput.

Judging from the lively discussions during the time allocated for questions, it was evident that the event was a resounding success, which Mrs Sharron Abrahams, in her vote of thanks, acknowledged with immense appreciation.