Unisa alumni continue impacting and changing lives for the better through donations to the Alumni Fund. Three beneficiaries share how the fund changed their lives.

From left: Roberta Senzelumusa Moyo, Sibusiso Twala and Charles Sengooba

"Thank you, Unisa alumni"

Roberta Senzelumusa Moyo completed a BA Psychological Counselling degree and passed her final exam in 2019. However, she could not pay her outstanding fees as she lost her job in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I completed my A levels in Zimbabwe in 2002, but due to economic hardships, we came to South Africa to search for jobs. I have since worked as a waitress, call centre agent and cleaner." 

"This has given me the fuel I needed to believe that I can achieve my dreams," she says.

"My ultimate hope is to wear the red gown someday. I dream of being a clinical psychologist as I am also passionate about HIV/Aids issues. I believe as soon as I secure a job, I will be able to continue my studies." She adds: "For now, though, I am grateful to the Unisa alumni for paying my outstanding fees so that I can graduate for my current qualification."

"I prefer studying with Unisa because I can at least juggle work, study and family, and the tuition fees are still more reasonable compared to most universities," says Moyo.

Access to education for all

Sibusiso Twala completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Senior Phase and FET, in 2020. He first registered with Unisa in 2019 but had to take a break because he did not have the finances to register for the second semester. He says, "I saved to register again and completed the certificate in 2020."

"I passed all my exams in November 2020. However, I still had outstanding tuition fees, so I couldn't graduate or get my certificate in 2021. Thank God the Alumni Office rescued me and set me free."  

Twala grew up in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, and comes from a large extended family. "I grew up exceptionally destitute. This propelled me to work hard and never let my background silence my potential."

Twala is a devoted student who wants to become an academic. He explains why he chose to study at Unisa to fulfil his dreams: "Unisa provides access to education to all people, irrespective of tribe, race, colour or background." True to these values, Twala says, "Not only did Unisa allow me access to education, but they have also paid for my outstanding fees, and now I have my certificate. Thank you, Unisa Alumni."

Dreams come true

Charles Sengooba was born in Uganda, Kampala. He enrolled at Unisa in 2016 and is set to graduate in 2022. He says his journey with Unisa has been pleasant, filled with academic excellence and the fruits of hard work.

He explains that he enrolled at Unisa because he wanted to study and work simultaneously. He adds: "Unisa is the best online long-distance learning institution in Southern Africa and Africa." He continues: "The university gave me exposure to the best lecturers and counsellors that enabled me to cope with my academics."

Sengooba did a Bachelor of Education with mathematics and mathematical literacy majors and statistics and psychology as his subjects. However,  he has not been able to graduate due to outstanding fees. Sengooba lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic and could not pay his fees. The Unisa alumni recently settled his debt; he says: "I will soon get my certificate, and my heart bursts with joy and gratitude." He concludes: "I would like to applaud all Unisa stakeholders and alumni in particular for making my dreams a reality."

* Submitted by graduates and assisted by Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, and Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communication Coordinator: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations