Unisa brings student support closer to communities through municipal library partnerships

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is strengthening access to higher education by transforming municipal libraries into important community-based centres for academic resources, student support and information about study opportunities. 

Through partnerships with local municipalities, the university is bringing essential services closer to students, particularly those who may face challenges accessing Unisa’s regional offices and other institutional facilities. During September 2026, the Unisa Gauteng Region hosted a series of open days at three municipal libraries: Alexandra Public Library in the City of Johannesburg, Thembisa Public Library in the City of Ekurhuleni, and Magaliesburg Public Library in Mogale City. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of Unisa’s partnerships with the municipalities and demonstrate how local libraries can support students throughout their academic journeys. 

Addressing participants, Victor Mbuqe, Manager: Library Services at Unisa Gauteng Region, explained that the partnerships are designed to improve access to library resources and provide students with academic support within their communities. He emphasised that municipal libraries play an important role in helping students access information and resources necessary for their studies, particularly within Unisa’s open distance e-learning environment. Mbuqe welcomed the continued growth of the initiative, noting that the three libraries visited during the outreach programme were new additions to Unisa’s existing network of municipal library partnerships. 

The open day at Magaliesburg Public Library was particularly significant, as it also marked the tenth anniversary of the partnership between Unisa and Mogale City. The milestone highlighted the value of sustained collaboration between higher education institutions and local government in expanding educational opportunities. Beyond promoting library resources, the open days provided an opportunity to introduce students and prospective applicants to other support services offered by the university. 

Representatives from Unisa’s Counselling and Career Development, Technology-enhanced Learning and Facilitation of Learning units participated in the outreach activities. Their involvement helped demonstrate that student success depends not only on access to learning materials, but also on academic guidance, career development and the ability to navigate digital learning platforms. Students were encouraged to make use of their local libraries as accessible points of contact for information and assistance with these services. 

By connecting students with support closer to home, the initiative seeks to reduce some of the practical barriers associated with distance learning and strengthen their ability to participate successfully in higher education. With university applications under way, the Gauteng Region also used the open days to guide prospective students through Unisa’s application and registration processes. Staff provided information about available study opportunities, assisted applicants with their submissions and addressed challenges raised by current students. 

Several student queries were resolved during the engagements, demonstrating the practical value of taking university services directly into communities. The open days attracted learners, out-of-school young adults, current Unisa students, parents, guardians and other community members seeking information about higher education. Representatives from the respective councillors’ offices welcomed Unisa’s outreach efforts and encouraged residents to take advantage of the partnerships to improve their educational prospects and opportunities. The municipal library initiative reflects Unisa’s commitment to widening participation in higher education and strengthening student support through partnerships that respond to community needs. 

It also contributes to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, by making educational information and support services more accessible. For communities, the partnerships demonstrate how existing public infrastructure can be used to extend the reach of higher education without requiring students to travel long distances for every enquiry or support need. For Unisa, the initiative reinforces the importance of collaboration with local government in creating a more accessible and supportive learning environment. As the university continues to expand its community-based support network, municipal libraries are becoming more than places to access books and information. They are helping connect students and prospective students with the resources, guidance and opportunities needed to pursue their educational ambitions. 

* By Maphoshane Mary Marodi, Communication and Marketing Officer, Gauteng Region