On 15 July 2025, Unisa and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in advancing multidisciplinary research in air traffic management. Initiated and launched in early 2024, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the aviation sector. This engaged scholarship project further aligns with the institution’s Catalytic Niche Area Aviation and Aeronautical Studies, an institutional priority championed by the Office of the Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa.

In his welcome address, Prof Solomon Magano, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, remarked: "Today marks a pivotal moment as we formalise a partnership that is rooted in shared values, strategic vision and a commitment to developing South Africa’s human capital, particularly in aviation, science and technology." Magano added that the partnership is a bold step towards creating sustainable opportunities for innovation, research, skills development and transformation in the aviation and higher education sectors.

Matome Moholola, ATNS Acting Chief Executive Officer

ATNS Acting Chief Executive Officer, Matome Moholola, said that ATNS is part of the broader academic community, and that its relationship with Unisa is no coincidence, as it is built on a solid foundation. He added: "This collaboration will help us streamline our records management processes, ensuring operational efficiencies and continuity." He acknowledged that through this partnership, ATNS employees and trainees will benefit from Unisa’s extensive library resources, further fostering a culture of knowledge and continuous improvement. Moholola also shared that  ATNS is embarking on a journey to establish a museum, which will enable the organisation to preserve and showcase its contribution to aviation safety.

Executive Dean of Unisa’s College of Human Sciences, Prof Zethu Nkosi, stated: "The project will link Unisa’s teaching and learning by offering practical experience that will enrich academic curricula and research." Nkosi reiterated that it will provide staff with industry-relevant knowledge in records management, knowledge management and museum development within aviation. "Therefore, the collaboration will enhance Unisa’s educational offerings, bridging the gap between theory and practice," she said.

The project leaders, Dr Mandisa Msomi, Lecturer in Unisa’s Department of Information Science, and Dr Refiloe Mabaso, Head of the Department of Information and Knowledge Management at ATNS, took the attendees through the project development. They shared that they continue conducting needs analysis and benchmarking activities, ensuring that the project aligns with both organisations’ strategic objectives. They expressed their appreciation for the support received from Unisa and ATNS management. They emphasised the importance of participating in knowledge exchange sessions with the aviation sector, including formal research and innovation projects.

Advocate Zola Majavu, ATNS Board Chairperson, and Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor

ATNS Board Chairperson, Advocate Zola Majavu, explained that the collaboration enables the two organisations to reclaim their academic and aviation prestige globally, which requires intellectual capacity, vision and determination. Speaking on ATNS’s key priorities and Unisa’s relevant niche area, Majavu affirmed: "We should be unashamed of being change agents, as that is what defines being catalysts." He further urged that the organisations should be open to knowledge exchange while embracing a collective vision and unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in the aviation sector.

Majavu continued: "Unisa and ATNS saw a gap in the aviation sector and merged intellectual capital to bring about solutions." As a long-term vision, Majavu added that the partnership should create a sustainable pipeline that will impact the aviation space. Encouraging teamwork, he urged the organisations to advance technological advancement in aviation and continue being brand ambassadors for the project.

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, recognised the effectiveness of the project leaders, noting that their contributions should not be erased. "This partnership will not only impact the national infrastructure and industry advancement but will propel Unisa to become a partner in the imagination of improved economies, global impact, and the resourcing of the sector," said LenkaBula. "What sets this relationship apart is that institutions that value society must continuously reimagine their impact."

The Unisa and ATNS delegations

Aligning the university’s Catalytic Niche Areas with the partnership, LenkaBula emphasised that South Africa should not outsource its intellect and be dependent on other nations while institutions like Unisa endeavour to advance knowledge, innovation, research and global impact. LenkaBula asserted: "Unisa aims to strengthen its investment pool by investing in science, quality skills, research, engaged scholarship, and the impact that our country and world require."

In his vote of thanks, Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director of Unisa’s Department of Institutional Advancement, remarked that history has been created through this collaboration, further unlocking new opportunities. He concluded: "Through this collaboration, expertise will be embraced, and Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas will also become a reality."

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

** Photography by Thembinkosi Ngwenya, Research Assistant, College of Human Sciences