Unisa launches innovative student support programme

The Western Cape Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) recently launched the Where You Belong programme at the Cape Town campus. The full-day event featured insightful presentations, guidance on available resources, and academic support.

Members of the RSRC with Unisa staff members and students

The Where You Belong programme was designed to assist and support Unisa students on their academic journey. Recognising the unique challenges of distance learning, the RSRC, comprising registered Unisa students, aimed to support those who often feel isolated or overwhelmed by the academic process.

The programme acknowledges that no student has it all figured out and encourages proactive planning, self-management and adaptability. As one of the largest distance-learning institutions, Unisa requires its students to master the demands of e-learning. A central theme of the programme is the promotion of academic integrity and the shared responsibility of upholding the university’s values and reputation.

RSRC Chairperson, Nomfundo Khumalo, addresses students on academic success

Western Cape RSRC Chairperson, Nomfundo Khumalo, welcomed the attendees and set the tone for a day focused on student success, academic integrity and peer support. Additional messages of support followed, including a keynote by Jacques Du Toit, Regional Academic Coordinator, who spoke about academic responsibilities. He delivered a comprehensive talk on academic integrity, timely assessment submissions, and Unisa’s zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism. He also discussed the importance of attendance and active participation. The session concluded with a discussion on tutoring services and other support mechanisms aimed at helping students excel.

Michelle Biederman, Regional Librarian, outlined the wide range of campus resources available to students, from physical study spaces to extensive online tools and databases. Students engaged actively during the Q&A session that followed, showing a keen interest in how best to access and navigate these tools.

Chantal Adams from Counselling and Career Development offered practical advice on study methods, time management, exam preparation and how to maintain one’s well-being during stressful academic periods.

Kgothatso Mosimege, Sports and Culture Officer of the National Student Representative Council, encouraged students to actively participate in SRC events and initiatives. “Connect with your fellow students by participating in programmes,” she said, noting that the SRC has a sports policy and structured programmes to guide student involvement. She reiterated that students need to support the RSRC by being present and active.

The final speaker, Motale Nkgoang, Regional Director for the Western Cape, spoke about the crucial role of student leadership in building inclusive resource-rich learning environments. He thanked the RSRC and student leadership for organising the event and Mosimege and the Western Cape Region staff for delivering the presentations. “Our wish is to have everyone succeed; we go where the students are. We wish to request students to take advantage of the services that are offered in the Western Cape Region,” said Nkgoang. He urged students to take their studies seriously and to strive for excellence. “There is a lot we are offering as a region, and as a university as a whole, but it needs your commitment, it needs you as students to make sacrifices,” he concluded.

Closing the event, Khumalo thanked all speakers and students for their participation. The programme sets a benchmark for more exciting and impactful SRC-led initiatives in 2025.

* By Thandeka Mtyali, Intern: Communication and Marketing, Western Cape Region