The university’s Convocation hosted its first Fundraising Gala Dinner in Pretoria on the evening of Tuesday 23 September 2025, raising funds in donations and pledges towards student support. This will ultimately alleviate student debt while advancing holistic student development from an overarching perspective.

The evening combined heartfelt testimonies and powerful appeals for support. Guests included members of Council, the Unisa Foundation Board of Trustees, business leaders, alumni, academics, students and friends of the university.

Liana Joubert said "Investing in the Future of Unisa Students" is a call to action to bring light into students’ lives

Deputy Registrar of Student Administration and System Integration at Unisa, Liana Joubert, said: "The evening’s theme, Investing in the Future of Unisa Students, is not merely a slogan but a call to action to bring light into students’ lives.” She stated that student financial assistance, in the form of bursaries and scholarships, continues to be a growing need. "It has been an increasing phenomenon which over the years has seen a growing influx of learners that have been entering universities with the hope for better prospects and advancements," she concluded.

Student voices echo the need for support

The higher education sector is under enormous pressure to deliver, and so are the students. Highlighting the urgent need to support students, the evening featured a moving story of resilience by  Luvo Nkasane, a young Unisa graduate from Komani in the Eastern Cape. He studied with Unisa from 2020, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics in 2024.

In a pre-recorded video, Nkasane spoke of how financial challenges almost derailed his studies. He said: "Education is a bridge between where I come from and where I want to go. But for many students like me, the bridge is fragile without financial support. Your donation is not just about money – it is about unlocking our futures."

Fundraiser only the beginning of work to be done

The keynote address by the Convocation President, Justice Dabampe, highlighted the dinner as a proud moment for the university. "Together, we have raised funds that will enable hundreds of students to graduate," he said.

Currently, more than 27 000 Unisa students are a few modules away from graduating, but outstanding fees are holding them back. "The pledges made tonight will ensure that many students who were previously unable to graduate due to debt will now be able to receive their qualifications," said Dabampe.

He further alluded to this moment being only the beginning. "We must ensure that no capable student is left behind because of financial barriers," he said as he emphasised the power of Unisa’s alumni network – over one million strong – in shaping South Africa’s future. "Our graduates lead in government, business, education, law, health, and the arts. If even a fraction of our alumni contributes, the impact will be transformative."

VC address announces Disability Centre and global achievements

Addressing the gathering, the message from Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, as delivered by Prof Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, highlighted the strategic importance of student support as one of the university’s ten catalytic niche areas. He emphasised the need for holistic development, and said, "Education is not only about academic achievement; it must equip our students with life skills for a globalised world. At Unisa, our commitment is to universal access and the removal of barriers that obstruct meaningful learning."

Prof Solomon Magano highlighted Convocation’s goal to raise funds for bursaries and financial aid

A new Disability Centre will soon be opened at the Sunnyside Campus with donations of assistive devices valued at over R600 000, made by the Turkish Embassy and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency in 2024.

Furthermore, Unisa is growing in global recognition as it is ranked among the top eight universities in South Africa and is among the world’s top 1 000. This is according to the 2025 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Message of support inspires an African renaissance

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairperson of Brand Africa, delivered a message of support that linked Africa’s identity to education and innovation. Reflecting on his own journey, Ikalafeng challenged narratives of Africa as poor and conflicted, pointing to the need to reclaim the continent’s story.

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng emphasised that universities close the gap between potential and prosperity and announced an annual PhD scholarship contribution

He said, "For too long, the world has seen Africa through a narrow lens. Our innovations are not being protected, our creativity is not being monetised. Universities like Unisa are indispensable because they close the gap between potential and prosperity."

Ikalafeng announced the donation of his artwork to the Unisa Art Gallery. He also pledged to establish the ABLE Fellowship, a scholarship programme dedicated to supporting African PhD students, with proceeds from his forthcoming book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence.

SRC appeals for solidarity

Representing the student voice,  Kosinathi Mabilane, President of the university’s National Student Representative Council (SRC),  described Unisa as the "University of the Poor" and stressed its unique role in South Africa’s transformation.

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng emphasised that universities close the gap between potential and prosperity and announced an annual PhD scholarship contribution

"Nearly half of Unisa’s 387 000 students come from working-class and poor backgrounds," he said. "For many, Unisa is the only doorway to opportunity, the only ladder out of poverty, and the only chance to rewrite their destiny. Your generosity ensures that no capable student is left behind because of financial barriers."

Mabilane spoke about students who attend classes on empty stomachs or struggle without safe accommodation, insisting that "contributions made were not charity but solidarity". 

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

A call to action was made, urging alumni, corporations, and the broader society to partner with Unisa in building sustainable futures. The Convocation’s goal for next year is to raise R11 million for student bursaries and debt relief.

* By Busisiwe Mahlangu, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations