Unisa's 150th Anniversary: A Tribute to Educational Excellence and Innovation - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Unisa’s 150th Anniversary: A Tribute to Educational Excellence and Innovation

1 min read
u n

Unisa, the University of South Africa, is celebrating its 150th anniversary on June 26, 2023. The theme of the grand celebration is “Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures.” Unisa has been a pioneer in the country’s higher education system, serving students from diverse backgrounds not just in South Africa but also across the African continent and the world.

Commemorating a Significant Milestone

To mark this significant milestone, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, will give a speech that will look back at Unisa’s illustrious past and its role in shaping knowledge generation. Esteemed guests, including Unisa Chancellor His Excellency Dr. Thabo Mbeki, Council Chairperson Mr. MJ Maboa, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor LenkaBula, will join Dr. Nzimande in celebrating this momentous occasion.

A History of Pioneering Spirit

Unisa’s journey began on June 26, 1873, and since then, it has been instrumental in advancing South Africa’s higher education landscape. The university’s innovative spirit is reflected in its adoption of open distance education, which has become even more important in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. As technology continues to progress rapidly in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Unisa’s groundbreaking educational approach has become more valuable than ever.

Looking Toward the Future

The 150th anniversary is more than just an opportunity to honor Unisa’s remarkable past and the challenges it has faced. It is also a chance to chart a strategic course toward a future where the university will play a central role in the global higher education ecosystem. The celebration underscores Unisa’s commitment to empowering the next generation of learners and leaders through innovative educational practices.

Bridging Boundaries and Democratizing Learning

Throughout its existence, Unisa has been a beacon of knowledge that has fostered intellectual growth, transcending geographical boundaries and opening up opportunities to countless individuals. By embracing open distance education, Unisa has made education more accessible, contributing to the democratization of learning and breaking down traditional barriers that have impeded progress.

Joining the Celebration

The 150th anniversary celebration will take place at the ZK Matthews Great Hall, UNISA Pretoria Campus, starting at 08:30 for a 09:00 commencement. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual celebration will be held to allow everyone to participate in commemorating Unisa’s remarkable journey. To confirm attendance, interested parties can contact Ishmael Mnisi at 066 037 8859.

A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

As Unisa embarks on the next chapter of its storied history, it remains committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. The upcoming 150th anniversary celebration is not only a tribute to the university’s enduring legacy but also a declaration of its unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for Africa and the world.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Celebrating a Quarter Century: The 25th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival

Next Story

A Symphony of Sauvignon Blancs: Discovering the Wonders of the Cape Winelands

Latest from Blog

Cape Town’s Commitment to Infrastructure Renewal

Cape Town is on a mission to fix its roads, pavements, and water systems to make the city even better for its residents. Since November 2024, teams have been hard at work repairing urgent water issues and upgrading the sidewalks and curbs, showing how much the city cares about keeping the water flowing smoothly. Although there have been some bumps along the way, with delays and frustrations for some locals, Cape Town is focused on getting the job done quickly and effectively. With a big budget of R55 million, the city is determined to improve over 4,000 square meters of streets, blending practicality with a touch of beauty to keep its charm alive. Each completed project is like adding a colorful brushstroke to Cape Town’s vibrant story!

Resilience Amid Flames: Cape Town’s Response to Devastating Fires

Cape Town is bravely fighting back against the wildfires that devastated its informal settlements, which left many families homeless. Local leaders are quickly providing emergency housing and asking for more support to act faster during crises. The community is coming together, working with relief groups to help those in need, and showing incredible strength and hope. As they rebuild their lives, Cape Town’s spirit shines through, proving that even in tough times, people can unite to create a brighter future.

Transforming Policing in South Africa’s Northern Cape

In South Africa’s Northern Cape, a heartwarming initiative is changing how police treat victims of genderbased violence. They are creating special Victim Friendly Rooms in police stations, where survivors can feel safe and cared for. This project, led by Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her team, aims to build trust within the community and make victims feel supported. By using technology and compassionate approaches, police are not just enforcing laws; they are becoming a source of comfort and strength for those in need.

Crime and Justice in the Western Cape: A Complex Narrative

In the Western Cape of South Africa, crime and justice form a complicated story filled with both struggles and hope. High levels of drugrelated crime and illegal guns create big challenges for communities, but law enforcement, like the AntiEconomic Crimes Task Team, works hard to make things safer. A recent operation in Beacon Valley led to the arrest of four suspects and uncovered a stash of drugs and a gun, showing the ongoing battle against crime. This situation reflects not just individual actions but deeper social issues that affect many lives, highlighting the need for a fair and understanding justice system. Through this, we see a blend of resilience, culture, and the community’s strong spirit striving for a better future.

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.