Unisa's Department of Tuition, Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL), under the leadership of Executive Director, Prof Meahabo Magano, recently initiated a series of correctional services and regional visits. DTSFL staff, along with colleagues from the Department of Student Funding (DSF), the Department of Student Administration (DSAR) and the Department of Student Support Services (DSSA), conducted a visit to the Johannesburg Correctional Services facility located in Soweto, specifically focusing on the female inmates. A total of 14 inmates participated in the programme, while approximately 126 other Unisa staff members, encompassing both academic and support personnel, engaged online.

Unisa's DTSFL leads empowerment visits to Correctional Services facilities

Staff were assigned to various regional centres, including the Ekurhuleni Regional Centre, Johannesburg Regional Centre and Vaal Centre. A combined session was held for all three centres, facilitating a collaborative approach to the programme.

On a separate day, the DTSFL team returned to the Johannesburg Correctional Services facility to engage with male inmates. A total of 29 inmates attended the session, which was supported by various stakeholders from the university, including faculty members.

Dr Denzel Chetty served as the programme director for these activities. Moipone Masalesa, the Gauteng Regional Director, delivered an elaborate opening address, emphasising the significance of decentralising student services to ensure adequate support at all levels. She introduced the various Unisa regional centres and their services, expressing gratitude for the presence of the DTSFL and advocating for intensified collaboration. Despite the increasing digitalisation of services, she highlighted the importance of maintaining a human touch in university interactions.

Magano provided context regarding the collaboration between Teaching and Learning (T&L), the DTSFL and Unisa's regional centres. She appreciated the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for supporting incarcerated students. She acknowledged the regional leadership's role in enhancing relationships and improving student experiences since the formalisation of this collaboration in 2023.

Magano underscored the constitutional right to education, asserting that all stakeholders must embrace it. She acknowledged the presence of the National Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Nkosinathi Mabilane, and quoted Archbishop Desmond Tutu: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world," encouraging all participants to contribute positively to society.

Additionally, Magano urged the DTSFL staff to reflect on the progress made since the 2023 visit concerning the university's strategic pillars. Reports indicated positive developments in addressing student enquiries, with specific concerns raised regarding the quality of teaching materials, library services, work placement, registration, financial assistance, information and communication technology (ICT), and study materials, particularly within the DCS context.

Inmates expressed grievances regarding the proctoring of assessments, as the restrictions on camera usage hindered their ability to complete examinations effectively. They also highlighted limitations on printing resources, which adversely affected their studies. Concerns were raised about the allocated time for portfolio examinations, and issues surrounding data allocation for internet access during different times of the day were discussed, with a request to adjust data limits to better suit their usage patterns.

Furthermore, students expressed their apprehension about practical opportunities following the completion of their sentences. The Unisa team demonstrated a commitment to addressing immediate issues related to finance, tutorial assistance, digital literacy, and more. Students expressed gratitude for the university's engagement and presence within their facilities. A collaborative effort between Dr Boyzar Moyo of DCS and Magano identified potential pathways for addressing the students' concerns, with an agreement to escalate matters requiring further deliberation through appropriate channels.

Plans were established to ensure the timely delivery of study materials to correctional facilities in coordination between Unisa and DCS. The Department of Student Funding was tasked with drafting a proposal for separate funding allocations for inmates, given their reliance on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The DTSFL team committed to continuing its outreach across provinces to support incarcerated students adequately.

* By Khongelani Chauke and Thendo Ravhudzulo, Quality Assurance Champions, DTSFL