Unisa’s Gauteng Region hosted the 2024 Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge at the prestigious Houghton Golf Course in Johannesburg. The day  was filled with networking and camaraderie as business leaders, golfers and Unisa alumni united for a critical mission – raising funds to support students weighed down by historical debt. This initiative continues Unisa’s goal of creating opportunities for students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, empowering them through both education and financial aid.

From left: Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director (Acting): Department of Institutional Advancement; Linton White, ATFX Regional Head: Africa; Lesetsa Matshekga, CEO, Unisa Enterprise; Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Jeff van Rooyen, Chairperson of the Unisa Foundation Board of Trustees; Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation; Frankie Mojapelo, Director, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations; and Monty Barnard, COO ATFX Africa

Although Unisa’s Chancellor, former President Dr Thabo Mbeki, could not attend, his unwavering support was expressed through Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. This reaffirmed Unisa’s focus on making higher education accessible. With more than 150 000 students receiving funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Unisa plays a major role in addressing socio-economic disparities through education. Many of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and financial struggles persist even as they near graduation.

To date, the Unisa Foundation Board of Trustees has approved R13,8 million be allocated to support 3 415 students who are left with one to three modules to complete their studies. For 2025, R47 229 154,13 will be required to fund 3 274 students.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, gets the ball rolling (literally) during the ceremonial tee-off

In an interview regarding the Golf Challenge, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the vital role of partnerships in ensuring the success of this initiative. She expressed gratitude to the underwriter ATFX Africa, a global financial company.

BMW, Royal McGrady, Van Schaik Bookstore, Unisa SBL, Unisa Enterprise, Unisa Gauteng Regional Office, Palala and Fusion Boutique Hotel Group, The President Hotel, RH Hotels, Minor Hotels, SANLAM and Stanlib also sponsored the golf day. These partners played a crucial role in the event’s impact, and LenkaBula encouraged others to join in.

LenkaBula highlighted one of the most pressing challenges facing Unisa – the university's historical student debt, which has now surpassed R1,5 billion. Initiatives like the Unisa golf challenges hosted across various regions aim to assist students who are on the brink of graduation but are unable to settle their outstanding fees. "We know the economic difficulties in our country are immense, and this debt reflects the financial hardship faced by our students," she stated. "Through initiatives like this, we remain committed to ensuring that education continues to be the tool that changes lives."

Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, during the ceremonial tee-off

Representing the Unisa Chancellor, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi reinforced Unisa’s vision of shaping futures through collaboration and financial empowerment. Speaking on behalf of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Fraser-Moleketi stressed how crucial such partnerships are in achieving national goals of transforming education and uplifting society. "Unisa is not only a South African institution; it extends across the African continent," she remarked. "We view this initiative positively because education is key to giving people the opportunities to shape the direction of Africa's smart economy. Education will help us continue to produce leaders, economists, political scientists, and thinkers equipped to tackle the challenges of our time."

The 2024 Unisa Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge stands as a beacon of hope for many students, proving the power of collaboration between higher education and the private sector in overcoming financial barriers to academic success. With continued support, Unisa remains steadfast in its mission of transforming lives and shaping futures through education.

The event concluded with a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony. Moipone Masalesa, Regional Director of Unisa’s Gauteng Region, delivered the welcome address. She emphasised how this initiative exemplifies Unisa’s vision and mission. "As an institution," she said, "our commitment extends beyond producing graduates. We aim to contribute to the upliftment of society. It’s through initiatives like these that we uphold the spirit of Ubuntu – 'I am because we are'."

* By Thembeka Mpapama, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Unisa Gauteng Region, and Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communication Coordinator, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations

* * Photography: Gordon Harris

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