A signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Unisa and the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) provides a broad, yet strategic framework for collaboration in critical areas such as research, teaching and learning, student support, and engaged scholarship. Signed on 24 July 2025, the MoU opens doors for leveraging complementary strengths, enhancing capacity for innovative research, promoting interdisciplinary learning and advancing student success on a global scale.

Prof Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal of Institutional Development: Unisa

In his welcoming address, Prof Solomon Magano, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, noted that the partnership has been in the making for over a year following fruitful discussions and explorations of possible areas of cooperation between the two institutions. He said: "Collectively, we can contribute to addressing some of the pressing challenges faced by our societies by fostering knowledge exchange, expanding teaching methodologies, facilitating joint research projects, and nurturing the next generation of scholars and changemakers."

Magano also affirmed: "This groundbreaking MoU marks a pivotal step in supporting and amplifying projects across Unisa’s ten catalytic niche areas." He further highlighted that the partnership would, among others, support skills development and the transfer of best practices through staff and student exchanges, seminars and cross-institutional mentorship. Also, Magano said that the MoU urges collaboration in projects that address societal and sustainable development needs, therefore, advancing innovation across the catalytic niche areas.

Additionally, Magano reiterated that the MoU is not just a document, but a symbol of shared values. He explained: "It is a historic moment that demonstrates our commitment to mutual growth and a foundation to build a sustained collaboration for many years to come." Acknowledging NCAT as a leading public research university in the United States with a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation and social impact, Magano asserted its link with Unisa’s mission as a prestigious open distance and e-learning institution with a commitment to widen access to education and uplift communities.

Unisa’s Director of Internationalisation and Partnerships, Dr Angie Magabane, noted key activities agreed upon by the two institutions. These include, among others, a commit to facilitate the exchange of faculty, staff, researchers and students, an active exchange of academic information and teaching materials to enrich curriculum development and scholarly pursuits, as well as the co-supervision of master's theses and doctoral dissertations, in line with each university's regulations, fostering stronger graduate research outcomes.

In his remarks, NCAT’s Chancellor, Dr James Martin, shared his sincere appreciation on behalf of his university community. "We are honoured to partner with Unisa, we value the opportunity to collaborate in ways that will enrich the academic and cultural experiences of our respective students and staff," he said. "This partnership is more than a formal agreement, it reflects a shared vision of building global bridges of knowledge, innovation and understanding. Together, we are creating meaningful exchanges, exploring joint research opportunities, and developing programmes that will empower the next generation of leaders." Sharing his institution’s excitement and enthusiasm about the partnership, Martin also pronounced that global engagement is essential in solving societal challenges.

Melissa Holloway, General Counsel and Vice-Chancellor of Legal, Risk and Compliance: NCAT

NCAT’s General Counsel and Vice-Chancellor of Legal, Risk and Compliance, Melissa Holloway, appreciated the commonalities that Unisa and NCAT possess, which include student-centredness led by purpose. She remarked: "This partnership will transform both our universities and our global reach in the quest to mutually benefit our students and staff." Referring to the multimedia production of NCAT’s student testimonies that followed her presentation, Holloway said: "Students tell our stories better than we do, and as life-long learners, we ought to fulfill our commitment to empower our students to also fulfill their purpose."

As part of the way forward, the two institutions expressed their enthusiasm to further collaborate on, among others, enhancing students’ virtual teaching and learning experiences, strengthening public health, sharing quality enhancement good practices, and combating gender-based violence.

In closing, Prof Azwihangwisi Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Unisa’s Director of the School of Social Sciences, appreciated the formal agreement as an impactful gesture, as well as the institutions’ insightful discussions around the partnership.

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement