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Sunnyside Campus and Conference Centre

Important Notice: The unauthorized use of UNISA venues and facilities is strictly prohibited. Only persons with an authorized and approved reservations may use UNISA venues and facilities.

Unisa Sunnyside Campus and Conference Centre is situated at the southern gateway to Pretoria, close to all major routes into Pretoria and the city centre. It offers conference facilities in charming heritage buildings. From 1902 until the 1980s it housed Pretoria Normaal Kollege and after that Pretoria College of Education. Unisa took over ownership of the property in 1992 and has redesigned five buildings on the northern part of the Sunnyside Campus to provide maximum flexibility, comfort and convenience visitors.

Building Two, the Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex, dates to 1909 and was renovated to accommodate 395 people. Building Four, Seven and Nine complete the list of conference facilities with a total of thirty-eight conference venues. Building Six, dating from 1910, houses the restaurant, an attractive facility to give you an opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment. Unisa restored all these buildings to their original splendor through comprehensive building renovation projects.

The beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds with ample, secure parking ensure a memorable and exiting conference or function, first-world excellence and old-world charm. 

Venues and facilities

Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex (previously known as the Unisa Sunnyside Campus Conference Hall) - building 2

Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex may only be used for high profile events like music concerts, graduations and other management pre-approved functions.

This building dates to the turn of the century and the style is that of the era when Wilhelmina was queen of the Netherlands. This venue can seat 395 people in an auditorium layout, and it comprises of the main seating area (capacity 305), a gallery (capacity 90) and a stage measuring 10 x 6 metres or 60 square metres. The spacious foyer with a staircase leading to the gallery can be used for registration and there is a separate area for serving light refreshments. Dressing - and rest rooms flank the stage and can be used by speakers and performers.

Old meets new - building 4

Building 4 is a multi-story structure with modern architectural features, blending old and contemporary styles in a visually appealing way. The conference rooms in this building are no longer available for use, as University Estates has decided to repurpose these venues. However, the ground and first floors still house Unisa Radio.

Acacia Restaurant - building 6

Currently closed for renovations until further notice.

The original cafeteria was built in 1910 and its main features include incredibly beautiful stained-glass windows that also feature Wilhelminian impressions. The Acacia restaurant can accommodate 180 persons seated, but a cocktail setting will accommodate up to 300 people. It is ideal for champagne breakfasts, luncheons, theme dinners, gala banquets, exhibitions and cocktail parties. We can accommodate small parties in the Jacaranda Annex, which seats up to 50, while cocktail-type functions cater for 80 people standing, and for an intimate function, 15 guests may look forward to a pleasant dining experience in the Lavender room around the fireplace.

Oregan excellence - building 7: larger venues - ideal for seminars, conferences and training sessions

Larger venues - ideal for seminars, conferences, and training sessions

The double-story building with its 1950's South African modernistic features consists of nine venues. An interior woodwork theme is used in all the rooms and the pleasing colors of Oregon pine leave a lasting impression on the visitor. The sizes of the rooms are as follows: one with a seating of 56, seven with a capacity of 98, and one larger venue with a capacity of 138. These larger venues all have banked floors with fixed desks and loose chairs. The foyer of this building can also be used for registration. A registration counter is fixed to the floor. Prior arrangement is necessary to secure an internet connection via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.

Where great minds meet - building 9: smaller and larger venues - all in one building - includes a boardroom

Smaller and larger venues - all in one building - include a boardroom

This double-story building also dates back to the 1950s with the same local features as that of Building Seven. It is home to eighteen air-conditioned venues that range in seating size from an intimate nine to a large 108. The woodwork is kiaat. The larger venues are again equipped with fixed tables and loose chairs, while some of the smaller venues are equipped with movable furniture. The foyer of this building is also ideal for registration. A registration counter is fixed to the floor. Prior arrangement is necessary to secure an internet connection via Wi-Fi or LAN cable. A boardroom is also housed in Building Nine and currently seats 16 people. Standard chairs have recently been replaced by large black executive chairs and provide comfortable seating. Large whiteboards and a secretary's desk are also available in this room. This boardroom also has its own breakaway room with a small service counter. A separate exit door faces the lovely Gadinia Square for a breath of fresh air. For security reasons, prior arrangement is necessary to gain access to the outside area.

Standard features

All the venues in Buildings Four, Seven, and Nine are fitted with flexi-rails, whiteboards, screens, and flip charts. Each venue is airconditioned to give you maximum comfort. The architects designed all the venues for optimal speech acoustics and the entrances are sealed off with sound portals. Additional audiovisual equipment is available on request. The venues also feature a central control unit in the front for light dimming, air condition controls, etc.

The UNISA Sunnyside Conference Centre (North Campus) is located at c/o Justice Mahomed & Joubert Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, and comprises of:

  • Building 2 (Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex)
  • Building 4 (lecture rooms)
  • Building 7 (lecture rooms)
  • Building 9 (lecture rooms and single boardroom )
  • Restaurant & Catering Facilities

Campus Manager

Ms. KL Muse
Building 7, Room 2-17 (First Floor)
musekl@unisa.ac.za
012-433-4760

Venue reservations

Mr. DG Prinsloo
Building 7, Room 1-16
prinsdg@unisa.ac.za
012-481-2903

Reminder: UNISA Staff must use Archibus to make their own venue reservations. When using this platform, you will have access to Buildings 4, 7 and 9. Bookings for the Enoch Sontonga Hall can only be processed by the booking agent. If you do not have access to the Archibus booking platform, you can request access by submitting HOD approval for access to ict-help@unisa.ac.za and copy NLombard@unisa.ac.za


Policies and Procedures

Application forms

Audiovisual services

Primary Contact Person
Mr. JM Legodi
Sunnyside / Pretoria Central
legodjm@unisa.ac.za
012-481-2832

If we cannot accommodate your request at any time, alternative measures will be discussed with you in order to accommodate your individual needs. The hiring of extra equipment from outside Unisa may result in extra costs for the account of the user.

All AV services must be requested in writing by completing the below application form in full. Please apply for support services at least ten working days in advance and only apply for services once your venue reservation has been confirmed.

Download the audiovisual application form (DOC)

Equipment available:

  • Video Cassette Player (VHS / PAL / SECAM / VHS / BETA / VIDEO 8 / UMATIC)
  • Video Camera
  • Video Monitor (72cm)
  • Public Address System
  • Slide Projector
  • Slide Sound Projector (Caramate)
  • Data & Video Projector
  • Overhead Projector & Screen
  • Whiteboards & pens
  • Flip Chart Stands and paper (paper only supplied for outside users, if requested)
  • Tape recording facilities
  • Microphones (roaming/radio/lapel and podium)
  • Interface for VGS / CGA and EGA

Protection Services

The mandate of the Security Services at the Sunnyside Campus & Conference Centre is to offer effective crime prevention, protection, and the safety of university assets, other valuable items, the lives of personnel, and all visitors to the campus, and all this combined with friendly service.

Venues at the Sunnyside Conference Centre are always locked and access control (unlocking and locking of venues) is handled by Protection Services staff.

Primary Contact Person
Mr. JP Matlala
Sunnyside Campus
matlajp@unisa.ac.za
072-573-0932

Secondary Contact Person
Mr. MM Lekgwathi
Sunnyside Campus
lekgwmm@unisa.ac.za
079-566-0276

Catering Services

Please note. All catering at Sunnyside Campus must be done by the Unisa Sunnyside Campus Restaurant. No private catering is allowed on the campus.

Currently closed for renovations until further notice.

Pretoria Central (Robert Sobukwe Building)

Currently closed for renovations until further notice.

UNISA Staff must use Archibus to make their own venue reservations. When using this platform, you will be able to book the following two venues only:

  • Conference Room (03-020)
  • Kwame Nkrumah (04-003)

NOTE: Limited support services are available at this location. Also note, that the unauthorized use of UNISA venues and facilities is strictly prohibited. Only persons with authorized and approved reservations may use UNISA venues and facilities.

Venue Reservations

Mr. DG Prinsloo
Building 7, Room 1-16
prinsdg@unisa.ac.za
012-481-2903

Protection Services

Primary Contact
Dr. LM Motebejane
Pretoria Central: Robert Sobukwe Building / Solomon Mahlangu
moteblm@unisa.ac.za
076-278-9897

Secondary Contact Person
Mr. PS Legau
Pretoria Central: Robert Sobukwe Building / Solomon Mahlangu
legaups@unisa.ac.za
076-290-0676

Unisa Little Theatre

For reservations at the UNISA Little Theatre, please contact the Theatre Manager directly for assistance.

Mr. JJ Steyn
287 Skinner Street
steynjj2@unisa.ac.za
012-322-7676 / 083-297-9459

Last modified: 2024/05/21