Marking an important step in leveraging diplomatic networks to enhance Unisa’s internationalisation efforts, Unisa’s executive management, led by Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), recently met with the leadership of the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) to explore strategic collaboration.

Held on 1 July 2026 at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus, the discussions centred on partnership initiatives to strengthen postgraduate education and professional development in international relations and diplomacy for Unisa’s young female students.

IDSA supports spouses and partners of members of the diplomatic corps through intercultural exchanges, networking platforms, and promoting harmonious relationships between the global diplomatic community and South Africans. Additionally, the non-profit entity places a special focus on the education, health and empowerment of women and children.

Notably, the proposed Unisa-IDSA partnership will table a scholarship for selected Unisa students to pursue postgraduate education in international relations and diplomacy. Furthermore, IDSA committed to facilitating mentorship, expanding professional networks and creating internship opportunities for students. Through these opportunities, students will gain valuable practical experience as they prepare for careers in diplomacy, international organisations and global governance.

Karim Ruiz de Livieres, President of IDSA, reiterated her institution’s decision to choose Unisa as the recipient and host of the scholarship, identifying the university’s Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs (TM-School) as a potential major role player for the success of the project. She added: "Because we are spouses of diplomats and our natural area is international relations, we would like the TM-School to be the host of the scholarships". 

Continuing, she asserted IDSA’s dedication to giving back, stating that her organisation was prepared to assist financially challenged students who are on the verge of completing their postgraduate qualifications this year. For her, this would kickstart the initiative and set the tone for upcoming phases of selecting recipients. 

Speaking next, Dr Lulu Gwagwa, honorary member of IDSA, noted that her foundation, Traversing Liminality, boasts 40 executive coaches and 10 psychologists, which, she declared, will be available to mentor the selected students.

Responding to the proposal, the VC lauded Unisa’s accessible fee structure, highlighting the university’s suitability for the collaboration. LenkaBula further reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to matching IDSA’s contributions towards the scholarship. "We are committed to having a partnership with you, and I request that within a week, we should at least have a draft memorandum of understanding based on our discussions," she said.

Continuing, LenkaBula reassured the delegation of Unisa’s state of readiness for the project, mentioning the university’s leadership role in postgraduate education, as reflected by its number one ranking in the production of master’s and doctoral degrees in South Africa. The VC further noted TM-School’s international expertise as a critical catalyst for the successful implementation and continuation of the project.

* By Victor Malatji, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement

 ** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre