Excitement was in the air as staff from Unisa’s Western Cape Region gathered on Monday 26 June 2023 to celebrate the institution’s 150^th birthday. The celebrations in the Western Cape were especially significant, as this was the province in which Unisa was birthed in 1873. Originally named the University of the Cape of Good Hope, it was housed in Cape Town at what is now known as the Centre for the Book, in Victoria Street. Some of the original university council furniture can still be seen there. 

Unisa’s regional choir celebrating with vocal harmonies

John Abrahams, Acting Deputy Director for Academic and ICT Support Services, opened the festivities by reminding attendees of Unisa’s rich history. The keynote speaker, Cecile Pienaar, former Supervisor of Finance and now a Unisa retiree, shared a wealth of historical knowledge about the institution, dating back to when Unisa had its offices in the Groote Kerk Building in Adderley Street. Pienaar, who had over 35 years of service with Unisa, plotted the region’s journey from central Cape Town to the Parow district. The merger with the then Technikon South Africa in 2004, saw all staff relocated to the current premises at 15 Jean Simonis Street.

The event also offered an opportunity to showcase the regional choir, whose members entertained guests between activities. Staff institutional knowledge was tested in a fun-filled way, with a tailor-made game of Unisa Trivial Pursuit. The fact that the occasion was celebrated nationally allowed staff in the regions to feel part of the greater Unisa. What stood out most on the day was the convivial mood on campus between staff members and the special guests in attendance. Indeed a day to remember! 

#Unisa150  

* By Lee-Anne Davids, Communication Officer, and Vicky-Lee Lee Shew, Acting Communication Manager, Unisa Western Cape Region