Unisa is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, the longest standing dedicated distance education university in the world. We enrol nearly one-third of South African students.
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The university recently reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the African Union following a high-level engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, education and capacity building in support of Africa's development agenda.
"Forward ever, backward never" was the central theme of the address by Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, at the university's vibrant Official Closing of the 2025 Academic Year.
Held on 8 December 2025, the Unisa Institutional, Research, Teaching and Engaged Scholarship Excellence Awards celebrated the university's cream of the crop, affirming their excellence in contributing to the university's core business and strategic objectives, as well as their impact on society.
Recently, four leading Unisa researchers were inaugurated as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa and the South African Young Academy of Science for their outstanding scientific contributions designed to benefit society at large.
Delivering the 16th Es'kia Mphahlele Annual Memorial Lecture, Prof Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, acclaimed scholar, author and poet, said that Mphahlele and his contemporaries were not only conscious of each other and immersed in their political and cultural context, but also influenced Black Americans and the Black diaspora across the world.
International Conference on Coastal, Marine, and Maritime Research (COMMRE 2026)
Venue: Durban International Conference Centre (Durban ICC)
Event dates: 27 - 30 October 2026
Full day
International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ICTVET2026)
Event dates: 24 - 27 March 2026
Full day
Event dates: 24 - 26 February 2026
Full day
