Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandla Makhanya delivering the primary address.
Students have often been referred to as Unisa’s primary customers as their success is inextricably linked to the university’s continued accomplishments. With Unisa celebrating 140 years of shaping futures, there are great expectations for the class of 2013. Unisa executive management welcomed new students at the Sunnyside campus on 18 February 2013 to familiarise them with university processes.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandla Makhanya delivered the primary address, reminding students that joining an open distance learning (ODL) institution meant greater independence and commitment to studies. He encouraged students to become masters of their own success. “At an ODL university there are no teachers, no one to check on your progress. It can prompt you to work harder or withdraw,” he said.
Pictured here with Prof Makhanya are Linton Kabini (IT), Nkwinka Amokelani (Interal Audit), Kekana Itumeleng (Financial Management), and Maluleke Tsundzuka Bernard (Bachelor of Law).
A strong feature of the VC’s tenure so far has been to encourage an open-door policy when academics deal with students. He touched on this aspect again during his address, advising students to consult with their lecturers and college staff when encountering difficulties. The VC also explained how technology had shaped Unisa since he joined the university many years ago and said that the institution is looking into promoting new tools to streamline the learning process. He left students with these inspiring words: “Unisa has been the backbone of education on the African continent for the past 140 years. With this rich history of success backing you, you can now truly become the master of your own destiny.”
Acting National Student Representative Council (NSRC) President Brian Mphahlele followed a similar tone, paying homage to Unisa’s achievements. “This year, we celebrate a colossal 140-year achievement which speaks volumes about the character of this university. Be inspired to be a part of this,” he said. Mphahlele’s mood turned serious as he warned new students that cheating would not be tolerated. “We condemn unethical behaviour and if you get caught cheating on tests, we will not help you. Cheating carries a five-year suspension.”
A question-and-answer session was facilitated by the Dean of Students, Convy Baloyi. Students raised concerns about their interaction with lecturers, receiving study material, security, free laptops and subsidised internet access for students, among others. Baloyi assured students that the issues that they had raised would be taken very seriously.
*Written by Rajiv Kamal
i just want to know if the management has considered the possibility of making unisa a resident university with facilities of resident universities like having Res for student coming from various areas of this country and abroad and full times lectures on a daily basis and changing certain systems like that of if you are doing semseter modules and you get a supplementary exam , you have to write it at the end of the semester because in that sense it inconieviences the students and makes us feel as if we had failed the module and it also slows our progress down. im sure we can see that unisa has evolved over the couple of years , its no longer recognized as an open distance learning university and corresondent as it used to be , pleas make unisa a proper resident university like UJ, UP and WITs. Thank you
I’m nkosikhona so since unisa is abwt to turn 140yrz these means a lot 2 the country and stundents of unisa as well so my plea to management is to try atleast 2 provide full time lectures to the largest univesity in da country…plz nd hv res like any othr univrsities so that we can focus directly on our studies,thnx in da name of GOD be wit unisa
Serving Unisa’s primary customers??? After what happened at Unisa Durban today, that is really funny. We had to stand over 6 – 8 hours in a que to get student cards. There is only 2 stations making the cards. For the type of institution that Unisa is, that is pathetic to say the least. The official excuse is technical processing capacity. Well, make a plan. Get more stations. Or have several PCs taking the photo’s, then make the cards and the students can the pic up the cards later.
I wish UNISA could answer their phones. For the past three weeks I have been trying to get hold of them to enquire about the status of my registration, I registered on myunisa last year 26 Novemebr until this day(22 fEB 2013) I don’t know what is happening. When I check on myunisa it says waiting for handling at sections…..what does these mean? The email and the sms line they have are just useless they don’t ever reply on those. The number I was told to phone is 012 441 5705 and that numebr is either engaged or noone answers. PLEASE UNISA YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS.
Hi everyone
I feel great about being part of this great learning institution which I know recognised in the country, Africa and the whole world. I won’t lie, being part of Unisa is challenging to some of Us because We’ve never known what it is to study independently without the support of Lecturers or teachers. With all of this I feel challenged to put more effort towards my studies in order to succed in ODL.
Till next time!
Im am proud to be part of unisa’s great 140 year history. When it is written evidence will show I was a student at this esteemed university. ODL will surely mold you into a self motivated individual capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. UNISA keep up the good work. Im with you till my PHD