News & Media
A university that has stood the test of time
At its 150th birthday celebration on 26 June 2023, top echelon leaders in society all lauded Unisa for standing the test of time as an African university in the service of humanity and further noting its unrivalled record of making education accessible for all. Former South African President and Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, encouraged the university to continue protecting its identity. Read more
Message from the Principal and VC, Professor P LenkaBula as Unisa celebrates 150 years of shaping futures
Today marks the sesquicentenary (150 years) of the University of South Africa (Unisa). This is an exceedingly remarkable achievement by the first distance learning university in the history/herstory of humankind. Read more
Excerpt from Deputy President Paul Mashatile, National Youth Day Commemoration, 16 June 2023
As a government, we have placed the education and training of our young people at the top of our agenda. We believe that education is one of the most crucial enabling factors for attaining economic emancipation. Read more
Message from the Chairperson of Council, Mr Mashukudu J Maboa as Unisa celebrates 150 years of shaping futures
Today, 26 June 2023, will go down the annals of the history/herstory as one of the most historic / herstoric days in the life of our university, the University of South Africa (Unisa). Read more
Excerpt from Minister Dr Blade Nzimande, at the Inauguration of Dr Thabo Mbeki as Unisa Chancellor, 27 February 2017
The vision of Unisa is to serve every country on the African continent regardless of language and cultural barriers. Read more
Excerpt from President Thabo Mbeki Speech, Entitled The Future of African Universities, Times Higher Education Summit, 30 July 2015
We are very fortunate that when it approved the document “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want” in January [2015], the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government also endorsed the objective contained in that document. Read more
Unisa @ 150: Advanced climate research centre launched
Launched by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in Unisa’s 150th anniversary year, the new Centre of Excellence: Adaptation and Resilience is set to be globally recognised for providing innovative research, best practices, education, leadership, support, and training in the area of adaptation and resilience. Read more
Unisa @ 150: Harnessing the power of 4IR for outstanding student support
Having grown from being an examining body in 1873 to a university that has fully embraced open, distance and e-learning, Unisa is now, in 2023, more attuned to student needs than ever before. This was the central message at a Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning webinar celebrating the university’s 150th anniversary. Read more
150 years of unlocking futures and potentials
Unisa graduates testify to the institution’s teaching modality, which gave them the necessary grit to withstand obstacles, including the Covid-19 pandemic, further fortifying their resilience to fulfil their long-term goal of graduating. Read more
Unisa@150: Scholarly professionalism examined
Inspired by Unisa's 150th anniversary theme, Reclaiming Africa's Intellectual Futures, Addis Ababa University's Prof Mulugeta Betre Gebremariam, a Unisa alumnus, penned an article on scholarly professionalism in the context of the university's remarkable journey over the years. Read more