The Federal University 1918 - 1948
Unisa begins operations
With little fanfare, amid sombre news from the First World War, the recently proclaimed University of South Africa (Unisa) begins operations from rented headquarters in Pretoria.
1918
Broederbond founded
The Broederbond (’brotherhood’), a Freemason-like society for Afrikaner nationalists, is founded under the name Jong Zuid Afrika (‘young South Africa’). In later decades, the Broederbond will wield much influence over Unisa.
1918
Peace and the League of Nations
After the First World War, peace is finally ratified, and the League of Nations (a precursor to the United Nations) is established to counteract future wars across the globe.
1920
New constituent colleges for Unisa
Three colleges become constituents of Unisa: Huguenot University College in Wellington, Potchefstroom University College, and Johannesburg’s School of Mines and Technology (later the University of the Witwatersrand).
1920-21
The Rand Rebellion
White miners on the Witwatersrand, opposing industry efforts to place “cheaper” black miners in supervisory jobs, launch an armed rebellion that is suppressed with full military force.
1922
First Fort Hare degree
Z.K. Matthews becomes the first black person to graduate, with a BA, from the University College of Fort Hare (whose students are registered to, and examined by, Unisa).
1923
A welfare state for whites
After Jan Smuts’s brutal handling of the Rand Rebellion, his United Party is ousted by Barry Hertzog’s National Party. Hertzog’s administration begins to entrench state welfare for working-class whites.
1924
Proof of other galaxies
To the enthralment of students enrolled in Unisa’s recently implemented astronomy courses, American astronomer Edwin Hubble publishes proof that entire galaxies exist beyond our own.
1925
First BA for a black woman
Gertrude Ntlabati becomes the first woman to obtain a BA from the University College of Fort Hare (whose students are registered to, and examined by, Unisa).
1927
The Great Depression
A crash in the New York stock market signals a global economic downturn that persists far into the 1930s. In many countries, including South Africa, working-class families are plunged into poverty.
1929
Suffrage for white women
Barry Hertzog’s government extends the vote to white women in South Africa, so bolstering the dominance of the white minority.
1930
Pretoria separates
Transvaal University College becomes independent from Unisa and is renamed the ‘University of Pretoria’. Over the next two decades, Unisa’s other constituent colleges will follow suit.
1930
Depression hits state subsidies
The Great Depression sees state subsidies slide, and in 1933, Unisa receives only R500 from the government. Examination fees play an important role in keeping the University afloat.
1933
Ethiopia invaded
Fascist-dominated Italy invades Ethiopia, one of the last African states to remain uncolonised. The League of Nations, of which both Italy and Ethiopia are members, fails to prevent the invasion, highlighting its own weakness.
1935
ANC founder receives honorary degree
The Reverend John Langalibalele Dube, a founder of the ANC, becomes the first black person to receive an honorary degree from Unisa.
1936
Dawn of the computer era
British mathematician Alan Turing publishes the principles that will come to underlie digital computers, and indeed the digital revolution of the later 20th century.
1936
Own syllabi for Fort Hare
The University College of Fort Hare, whose students are registered as external students of Unisa, gains the right to draft its own syllabi.
1937
Trekking for Afrikaner nationalism
A centenary re-enactment of the Great Trek of 1838, wending its way from Cape Town to Pretoria, arouses mass enthusiasm among Afrikaners and marks the growing power of Afrikaner nationalism.
1938
World War II
Germany, under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, draws nations across the world into a six-year conflagration that costs up to 80 million lives. Prime Minister Herzog favours neutrality in the War, but is deposed by supporters of the pro-British statesman and general, Jan Smuts. Smuts declares South Africa officially at war with Germany.
1939-45
Black mineworkers unionise
The African Mineworkers’ Union is founded. The Union’s frustration with unliveable wages climaxes in 1946, with some 70,000 workers embarking on an industry-shaking, violently suppressed strike.
1941-46
MPhil for ANC Youth League founder
Anton Lembede, founding President of the ANC Youth League, receives his master’s degree in philosophy from Unisa. Lembede’s philosophical grounding contributes to his development of an African nationalist ideology.
1945
United Nations born
Driven by the horrors of the Second World War and a desire to prevent another such conflict, fifty nations sign the United Nations Charter. On 24 October, the United Nations is officially formed in New York.
1945
First correspondence programme
Unisa’s Division of External Studies is established, and on 1 March 1947, the University’s first postal tuition package is ceremoniously sealed for mailing to one A.P.J. Heiberg in Boksburg.
1946-47
India becomes independent
India gains independence from the British Empire, inspiring nationalist movements across the globe and foreshadowing the wave of decolonisation which will sweep the African continent in the 1960s.
1947
First Pretoria graduation
Unisa hosts its first Pretoria-based graduation ceremony.