Reconciling with African roots and identity

Unisan Qhama Mati, a Deputy President of the National student representative council (NSRC), has expressed gratitude to Unisa for an uplifting student exchange programme tour she was recently part of. The university's delegation that visited Tanzania, especially the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), included the Director of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Ayanda Noma, Acting Chair of Department of Business Management, Dr Kudakwashe Chodokufa, and five Unisa students who were the recipients of the 2021 student research and innovation awards. For Mati, the tour empowered her to reconnect with her African roots and identity.

Qhama Mati

The exchange programme aimed to expose students to different parts of the world, especially Africa. Not only did the tour challenge their cognition, but it also allowed them to see what other researchers and innovators do, and how they bring innovative solutions to a fast-paced, ever-changing society. In addition, the multifaceted experience exposed them to, among others, Tanzanians' lived experiences, culture, and economy.

For Mati, one of the things that intrigued her was the Tanzanian students' perseverance in pursuing their studies, irrespective of their challenges. The UDSM delegation gave Unisans a tour around the university. Mati reflected: "The university was 'alive' with students, which was pleasant to see as COVID-19 deprived us of physically engaging with each other. For us, as students of an open distance e-learning institution, interacting with each other unleashes our vibrancy and sense of self."

Among others, the Unisa delegates visited the eye-catching, well-resourced, and enormous UDSM's library, which has a separate facility for its Faculty of Law. "The facility was built in honour of Julie Catherine Manning, a Tanzanian lawyer, judge, and politician. She was the first Tanzanian woman to study law and the first African woman High Court judge in central Africa," remarked Mati. In addition, the university's Nkrumah Hall was named after Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Ghana.

The UDSM had an annual Research and Innovation week where students, captains of industries, government officials, and ambassadors were invited to make presentations that could enhance innovation and research in the university and the country.

The panellists included Miranda Naiman, Founder and Managing Partner of Empower Ltd, and Unguu Sulay, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza Limited. "In their presentations, they extensively unpacked how and why young graduates struggle to find employment. They also spoke on why some inventions are not getting the necessary attention they deserve. They reiterated that to enhance youth employment, the curricula of institutions of higher learning should include content and skills that align with what employment industries are looking for," explained Mati.

At the event, S.A Seif, Chairman and Group MD at Super Group of Companies, shared extensive knowledge on business and why the youth should explore entrepreneurship. He advised on the mindset and character that graduates need to adopt to penetrate the business world and encouraged graduates to be solution-driven.

Mati said they were honoured and privileged to visit the Mwalimu Nyerere Museum Centre. Nyerere was known as 'The Father of the Nation'. For Mati, visiting the history-rich museum enabled them to reconcile with their African roots and identity. It reminded her of the African ancestors' struggles to afford young people the opportunities and privileges they have today.

Visiting the South African Embassy in Tanzania allowed them to discuss the need to relook at the current education system in South Africa and how best to improve it. In addition, the students were fascinated by how the Tanzanian youth embraced entrepreneurship. "It is partly true that business is not for everyone, but I believe it is for the willing," she asserted.

"We later visited the Commission for Science and Technology, where young people shared their innovation success stories. Lastly, we went to Mbudya Island for some ferry fun experience," she continued. "The memorable tour was an eye-opener and changed my perception of education, myself, and the world. The young people's passion for education and transformation in Tanzania is appreciable. Tanzanians are calm, respectful, and true to their African identity."

Mati applauded Unisa for being inclusive and mindful of its diversity. She perceives Africa as a beautiful continent rich in resources, history, and diversity. She concluded: "Everyone has a unique story to tell, and it is worth listening to."

*The story was submitted by Qhama Mati, Deputy President of the NSRC, and packaged by Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement