Unisa empowers future-ready graduates through UNIX/Python training

From 30 June to 2 July 2025, Unisa presented its transformative UNIX/Python Training Programme at the Muckleneuck Campus. This three-day, hybrid-format learning experience brought together over 900 applicants, 130 in-person learners, and a powerful vision: to future-proof careers through practical, 4IR-aligned digital skills. This landmark initiative, hosted jointly by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Portfolio, marks a bold institutional step toward deepening student engagement with data science, machine learning and automation, all starting with the fundamentals of UNIX and Python.

The human story behind the code: Meet Winnie Mashele

Among the dozens of inspiring stories that emerged, one stood out. Winnie Mashele, a devoted mother of three and a postgraduate student pursuing her master’s degree in education at Unisa, made the journey from Limpopo to Pretoria to be part of the in-person training. Driven by her belief in the transformative power of education and her deep interest in the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions (4IR and 5IR), Mashele reminded us that it is never too late to enrol, learn, and innovate. “As a mother and a student, I want to inspire others to keep learning,” Mashele explained. Her story became a living reminder that education knows no age and that digital skills are for everyone.

Winnie Mashele and Prof James Chibueze

Strategic collaboration driving innovation

The UNIX/Python training was more than a coding bootcamp; it was a manifestation of institutional collaboration and digital transformation. The programme was led by Professor James Chibueze from CSET, a renowned astronomer and machine learning expert who brought clarity and passion to every lesson. Throughout the sessions, students navigated UNIX commands, shell scripting, system permissions and directory structures, and built Python proficiency from the ground up. By day three, even those new to programming confidently navigated Jupiter Notebooks and explored automation fundamentals.

Under the   programme directorship of Dr Khanyisile Twabu, Acting Deputy Director of the ICT Academy of Applied Technologies and Innovation (AATI), the room full of hopeful participants were assured that they would soon be shrugging off the winter blues – in Twabu’s words,  “I see you are wearing jackets and warm clothing, but I can assure you, by the end of the day, you’ll be sweating your way through UNIX/Python and those jackets will be off!”

Words of encouragement were offered by:

• Professor Chimbo Bester, Associate Professor of the School of Computing at CSET, spoke on the importance of cross-departmental collaboration between ICT and CSET.
• Dr Motlokwe Thobejane, Executive Director: ICT Systems and Infrastructure,  encouraged students to embrace digitisation and innovation, aligning the training with Unisa’s catalytic niche areas, especially the drive toward digitalisation, while linking the programme’s goals to the university’s long-term strategic imperatives.
• Dr Mampilo Phahlane, Director of the School of Computing (CSET), reassured participants that their commitment during the training would contribute to a larger institutional innovation journey.
• Dr Kabelo Ledwaba, a respected voice in innovation leadership at Unisa, delivered a compelling message on the role of innovation in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Professor James Chibueze, Associate Professor Chimbo Bester, Dr Khanyisile Twabu, Dr Motlokwe Thobejane, Dr Mampilo Phahlane, and Dr Kabelo Ledwaba

Resilience, rigour and reward

Enthusiastic participants braved chilly winter mornings, arriving early with laptops in hand. Many travelled from across provinces, and those unable to attend in person joined the sessions virtually via Microsoft Teams, reinforcing Unisa’s commitment to accessible blended learning. Despite technical difficulties and complex topics, the energy never waned. Students posed questions, practised live coding, engaged on Slack, and used Google Drive resources shared during the programme. For many, it was their first taste of UNIX; for others, it marked the start of a deeper journey into AI, automation, and problem-solving through technology.

A launchpad for lifelong learning

As the curtain closed on the three-day programme, the message was clear: this is only the beginning. What began with a simple call for applications has evolved into a university-wide movement of innovation and empowerment. The enthusiasm of students, facilitators and leadership has laid the groundwork for further skills development programmes, bootcamps and mentorship initiatives. Mashele’s story proves that it is never too late to learn, adapt, and lead in the digital age.

Unisa continues to position itself as a leader in open distance e-learning, where digital fluency, innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration are the norm, not the exception.

* By Sibongile Masango, Marketing Assistant, College of Science, Engineering and Technology