College of Education

CEDU, EC Region give back in Mthatha

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From 16 to 18 August 2023, the College of Education (CEDU), in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Region, hosted a celebration of Unisa’s 150-year anniversary which saw Unisans giving back to schools in Mthatha.

The purpose of the school visits was to inform teachers and learners alike about Unisa’s range of qualifications, and to build relations with schools in the area. Dr Pimelo Ngidi, from the Department of Education, Arts and Culture, later gave feedback on the school visits, confirming that they were very well received by the various principals.

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Unisa Eastern Cape Regional Director, Motale Nkgoang (left), and CEDU Executive Dean, Prof Mpine Makoe (right), interacting with a guest (centre)

During a brunch held at Hotel Savoy and Conference Centre, where Sindile Ngubane did an outstanding job as programme director, Unisans had an opportunity to mingle and celebrate with stakeholders from the education fraternity.

The Eastern Cape Regional Director, Motale Nkgoang, extended an official welcome to all attendees, noting: "The nation is celebrating women’s strength and resilience, and we should pay tribute to [their] contribution." He reminded everyone about the importance of education for changing lives: "Through education, the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, and the son of a mine worker can be the head of the mine, so the College of Education is important, as it is through education that people can achieve."

The Acting Head of Department and a graduate of Unisa, Dr Soyisile Nuku, delivered a message of goodwill, saying: "There is nothing that can replace a teacher in the learning and teaching environment." In reflecting on what the university has achieved over the years, he added: "Unisa has helped many people around the globe. We are gathered to celebrate our achievement as Unisa alumni," before concluding by wishing the university a happy 150th anniversary.

The CEDU Executive Dean, Prof Mpine Makoe, presented an address on behalf of the CEDU Deanery, warning: "Almost 45 per cent of teachers will reach pensionable age in less than ten years, therefore it is important that more people are trained to become teachers." Makoe concluded by congratulating Unisa on this milestone anniversary, reminding the attendees that "it is important for us to celebrate these years of existence. Our goal as a university is to shape the futures of the world."

Also among the speakers was the Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) Chairperson, Sixolile Lugongolo, who acknowledged the importance of teachers and praised Unisa for producing quality educators.

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CEDU staff members

The vote of thanks was delivered by Unisa’s Eastern Cape Regional Head: Facilitation of Learning, Dr Makwena Molotja, who thanked the attendees and colleagues from CEDU; the RSRC Chairperson Sixolile Lugongolo and Dr Ngidi, and warned that the high number of teachers reaching pensionable age means "we need to do something about this, as they will retire with their knowledge and experiences".

CEDU’s event in the Eastern Cape allowed Unisans to reach out to schools by interacting with principals and teachers, to identify problem areas, and give advice, where possible. Staff from the Eastern Cape Region also had an opportunity to visit their adopted school, Maxwele Senior Secondary, where they learnt that some orphaned learners need items such as school uniforms and scientific calculators. The brunch proved to be an enormous success, judging from the impressive turnout, and informative visits and discussions.

#Unisa150

* By Lukhetho Mbanjwa, Communication and Marketing Intern. Unisa Eastern Cape Region

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Publish date: 2023-09-26 00:00:00.0

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