The Western Cape Region recently hosted a farewell function in honour of Dr Shahieda Jansen, Deputy Director: Academic and Technology Support, as she embarked on early retirement after years of dedication to student support, scholarship, leadership and community engagement in Unisa and beyond.

The event, held on 30 April 2026, brought together regional colleagues, managers, retired staff members, friends and collaborators from across the Unisa community to celebrate a leader whose impact has been felt both regionally and nationally.

The farewell programme reflected the deep respect and appreciation that colleagues have for Jansen. In-person reflections, online messages, videos and voice notes about her mentorship, collegiality and friendship highlighted both her professional excellence and her humanity.

In his opening remarks, Motale Nkgoang, Regional Director of the Western Cape Region, acknowledged Jansen’s unwavering commitment to Unisa and described her as a dependable and compassionate leader who consistently supported colleagues and students alike. He reflected on her resilience, professionalism and willingness to go beyond the call of duty in the service of the university. He further noted that her journey from student to respected academic leader serves as an inspiration to many in the institution.

A particularly meaningful tribute came from Prof Moloko Sepota, Registrar of Unisa, who shared a video message reflecting on Jansen’s contribution to the university community. Sepota reflected on her dedication to student development, her commitment to institutional values and the meaningful impact she made within academic support structures. He described her as a colleague who carried herself with integrity and humility, and whose work consistently reflected care for both students and staff. His message underscored the important role Jansen played in advancing student-centred support in an open distance and e-learning environment.

Several presenters reflected on Jansen’s remarkable ability to connect with people and create supportive professional relationships. Leza Deysel from DCCD spoke warmly about Jansen’s collegial spirit and her willingness to support others across institutional portfolios. Prof Suffla from Institutional Student and Human Support reflected on her commitment to engaged scholarship and social justice, describing her work as deeply grounded in care for communities and student wellbeing. Xolani Dubazane, Deputy Director: Academic and Technology Support in KwaZulu-Natal, reflected on the professional respect Jansen earned across regional structures and highlighted her collaborative leadership style and willingness to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues.

In a voice note, former Regional Director Dr Keith Jacobs remembered Jansen’s consistency, professionalism and quiet strength over many years of service. His reflection highlighted the trust and respect she cultivated through her work ethic and commitment to Unisa.

The farewell was particularly meaningful because it brought together not only current colleagues, but also retired staff members and long-standing collaborators who had worked closely with Jansen over many years. Their participation reflected the lasting relationships and professional bonds she cultivated throughout her career at Unisa.

Special reflections were shared by Francois Louw, Cecile Pienaar, Trixie de la Porte, Bessie Sauls and Sonja Barnard, all of whom worked alongside Jansen during various stages of her professional journey. Their messages conveyed a strong sense of admiration, friendship and shared history, highlighting her loyalty, compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her colleagues and students.

Through their reflections, a picture emerged of a respected academic leader, someone who consistently invested in people, nurtured relationships, and created a supportive work environment. Their contributions served as a reminder that Jansen’s impact extended far beyond formal institutional responsibilities and left a lasting impression on generations of colleagues in the Western Cape Region.

The farewell also celebrated Jansen’s scholarly achievements and contributions to engaged research. Colleagues highlighted her publication Masculinity Meets Humanity as an important contribution to academic discourse on gender and social transformation. Her community engagement initiative, the School Belonging Project, undertaken in collaboration with the College of Human Sciences, was highlighted by Dr Nonhlanhla Masinga, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, as an example of research that meaningfully responds to societal challenges.

Motale Nkgoang, Western Cape Regional, reflected on the national relevance of Masculinity Meets Humanity, particularly its focus on boys' experiences in schools, at a time when concerns about school retention and learner belonging continue to receive national attention. He noted that Jansen’s work demonstrates the important role universities can play in social transformation and community development beyond the classroom.

Speaking during the programme, John Abrahams, Head: Facilitation of Learning, reflected on Jansen’s contribution to student support and institutional development in the Western Cape Region. Her work in Academic and Technology Support was instrumental in strengthening support systems for students in an open distance and e-learning environment. Her commitment to academic development, student engagement and collaborative leadership contributed significantly to the region’s efforts to improve student success and strengthen institutional responsiveness to student needs.

One of the most memorable aspects of the farewell was the open-floor session during which colleagues shared personal stories, humorous moments and words of appreciation. The session reflected the genuine affection and admiration colleagues have for Jansen, with many describing her as approachable, supportive and deeply committed to others' well-being. The atmosphere was one of warmth, gratitude and celebration of a well-loved colleague.

The farewell function itself was made possible by the collective support, generosity and collaborative spirit of regional staff members who worked together to create a memorable occasion in honour of Jansen. The event reflected the strong collegial culture in Unisa’s Western Cape Region, where staff members value opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge colleagues who have served the university with distinction.

The thoughtful organisation of the event, together with the many personal tributes, messages and gestures of appreciation, created an atmosphere of gratitude, reflection and celebration. Throughout the programme, it was evident that Jansen is deeply respected not only for her professional achievements but also for the meaningful relationships she cultivated over the years.

In her farewell message, Jansen expressed her sincere appreciation to colleagues, friends and collaborators for their support throughout her journey at the university. She reflected on the importance of collective work in support of students and communities, and encouraged colleagues to continue building spaces of care, scholarship and transformation in higher education. Her message resonated strongly with those present, many of whom had worked alongside her for years and had witnessed her commitment to both academic excellence and human-centred leadership.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a word of thanks by John Abrahams. He acknowledged the collective effort that went into organising the farewell function and thanked all participants for contributing to a memorable and meaningful occasion.

Dr Shahieda Jansen leaves a lasting legacy within the Western Cape Region and the broader Unisa community. Her contribution to academic support, engaged scholarship, mentorship and community development positively influenced colleagues, students and institutional partners alike. While the farewell marked the end of one chapter, colleagues expressed confidence that her influence and contribution to education and society would continue in new and meaningful ways.

The Western Cape Region extends its sincere gratitude to Dr Jansen for her years of dedicated service and wishes her every success in her future endeavours. Her journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education, compassion and purposeful leadership.

* By John Abrahams, Head: Facilitation of Learning, Western Cape Region