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Unisa statement on its Bachelor of Social Work programme
Unisa statement on its Bachelor of Social Work programme
The University of South Africa has noted with concern an article published by the Daily Maverick on 09 April 2024 in relation to its Bachelor of Social Work programme titled “Students left in lurch as Unisa phases out social work programme, NGO’s warn of critical impact” .
The university is concerned about the gross distortions in both the heading and parts of the content of the article, particularly considering that it provided the reporter with sufficient correct information when responding to his media enquiry.
The university would thus like to set the record straight as follows :
- The Bachelor Social Work (BSW) programme continues to be an integral part of the programme offerings at Unisa, with a new BSW programme offered by the university since 2018.
- This new BSW programme has replaced the old one, which was de-accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and needed to be replaced with a new revised programme.
- A Teach-Out plan, which was approved by the CHE, was implemented to support and enable students who were in the pipeline of the old BSW to complete the qualification within the timeframes stipulated in the approved Teach-Out plan, which were 2018 for 1st level students, 2021 for 2nd level students, 2022 for 3rd level students and 2023 for 4th level students.
- During the entire period of the Teach-Out plan, the university communicated constantly and provided support to the affected students to ensure that they are able to complete the programme within the required timeframe.
- Upon realising that some students were unable to complete the old programme within the stipulated timeframe, the university approached the CHE with a request for an extension until 31 December 2026. This was done precisely because the university has the interests of the students at heart and wants to ensure that all students are afforded adequate opportunity to complete programme.
The university is pleased to announce that the CHE has granted the extension of the Teach-Out Plan to 31 December 2026. The CHE has also commended the university for its commitment to engage with all stakeholders pertaining to this matter.
The university will communicate formally with the affected students; and also urges them to rely on official university communication for accurate and correct information.
/Ends.