The University of South Africa (Unisa) has welcomed the appointment of Prof Meahabo Dinah Magano, Executive Director of the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL), to the Qualifications Standards Committee (QSC) of the Umalusi Council. 

The appointment, announced during a recent Unisa Senate meeting, recognises Magano's extensive experience in education, academic support, assessment and the development of quality teaching and learning practices. It also represents an opportunity for Unisa to contribute its academic expertise to national efforts aimed at strengthening education standards and ensuring that qualifications remain credible, relevant and responsive to the country's educational needs. 

Umalusi is the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, responsible for safeguarding the quality and integrity of qualifications within its mandate. Its Qualifications Standards Committee brings together specialists with expertise in qualifications development, curriculum standards, assessment and the National Qualifications Framework. 

As a committee member, Magano will contribute her knowledge and experience to discussions and processes that support the maintenance and improvement of qualification standards. Her appointment is particularly significant given the important role that quality assurance plays in building public confidence in educational qualifications and ensuring that learners receive education that meets recognised standards. 

Through her leadership at Unisa's Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, Magano has experience in supporting effective teaching and learning practices, making her contribution to the committee relevant to the broader education sector. 

Magano's appointment reflects Unisa's commitment to contributing to the development of South Africa's education system beyond its own institutional responsibilities. By participating in national quality-assurance structures, Unisa academics and leaders have opportunities to share expertise, contribute to policy discussions and support improvements across the education sector. The appointment also supports the objectives of South Africa's National Development Plan 2030, which recognises quality education, skills development and effective educational institutions as essential to reducing inequality and improving socioeconomic opportunities. 

At a global level, Magano's new role aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also contributes to SDG 17, which emphasises partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable development. Strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and national quality-assurance bodies is important in promoting consistent academic standards, sharing knowledge and improving educational outcomes. 

For Unisa, Magano's appointment is a recognition of the expertise and leadership within the university and its contribution to strengthening South Africa's broader education landscape. It also demonstrates the value of academic leadership that extends beyond institutional boundaries to influence national educational standards and practices. The university congratulates Prof Magano on her appointment and wishes her success as she undertakes this important responsibility. 

Her participation in the Qualifications Standards Committee provides an opportunity to contribute to Umalusi's quality-assurance mandate while advancing the shared goal of ensuring that South Africans have access to credible, relevant and quality education. 

* By Lillian Maja, Language Practitioner, Directorate: Language Services