Unisa recently hosted its Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge 2025 for the university’s Gauteng Region, bringing together leaders from business, government, academia and civil society for a day of sport, networking and purpose.

The event, held on Friday 10 October 2025 at the Randpark Golf Club, culminated in a prize-giving dinner that celebrated not only the spirit of the game but also the transformative power of collective giving.

The Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge has evolved beyond a friendly sporting event to become a vital platform for fundraising towards student bursaries and debt relief. Under the visionary leadership of Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, the initiative continues to embody the university’s commitment to access for success, ensuring that no deserving student is denied education due to financial barriers.

"We are gathered not only for friendly competition and camaraderie but also in pursuit of a noble purpose: to raise funds for student bursaries and help unlock the doors of higher learning for thousands of deserving young people," said Prof Solomon Magano, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, delivering an address on behalf of Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Proceeds from the day are earmarked for two key causes: providing debt relief to students who have completed their studies but are unable to graduate due to outstanding fees, and offering bursaries to academically deserving but financially needy students. This specifically targets the missing middle students who do not qualify for government funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Magano further stated that the university faces rising student debt exceeding R1 billion, and debt across the national higher education sector exceeds R20 billion. "Currently, 27 000 Unisa students require financial assistance to either graduate or continue their studies, with many just a few modules remaining before completing their qualifications," he said as he indicated the need for student support.

Since its inception in 2013, the Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge has mobilised stakeholders to invest in education as a public good. This effort is amplified through fundraising drives such as the Unisa Feenix Trust and the Student Debt Campaign, as well as partnerships with organisations like the Fairway Foundation.

Collaborations have yielded significant results, with more than 5 100 students funded in 2025 alone, representing an investment of more than R100 million in student success. Unisa continues to appeal for broader partnerships to support an additional 3,400 students in need.

Resulting from the continuation of the golf events, the collaboration with the Fairway Foundation has also created skills development opportunities for golf caddies, further reinforcing Unisa’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Notable institutional achievements celebrated at the event include the rise of Unisa’s global stature as it remains among the top eight universities in South Africa and within the top 1 000 globally,  according to the 2025 Shanghai Academic Rankings.

Unisa recently became the first university in the world to host dedicated graduation ceremonies for students who completed their studies during the Covid-19 pandemic but had been unable to graduate in person. "During the week of 30 September 2025, more than 10 000 graduates finally crossed the stage, marking a historic and emotional moment for the institution and its community," said Magano.  

Dr Erin Naudé, Acting Regional Director for the Unisa Gauteng Regional Office, stated that the golf event is central to Unisa’s mission of serving humanity through access to quality education. She further said, "Every swing, every pledge and every act of generosity today will leave a lasting impact on someone’s life."

The university appreciates the generous support of its sponsors who contributed to the success of the event: Stanlib and Exxaro, who were the main sponsors, and supporting partners Southern Sun, Aquelle Water, Unisa SBL, Oliver Tambo Foundation, Kakanyo and Ara Trading Projects, Zamanguni, Van Schaik Book Store, Inhlanyelo Hub, Avari Cars and Sampada Private Equity, PPS, Mazi Asset Management, the Unisa Wellness Office, Minor Hotels, M&G Investment and Luc Mo Wines.

 * By Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communications Coordinator, and Kgaogelo Magare, Production Assistant, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations