News & Media
Unlocking higher education in uMhlabuyalingana
In the heart of the enchanting uMkhanyakude District Municipality, home of the four local municipalities – uMhlabuyalingana, Jozini, Mtubatuba and the Big 5 Hlabisa– a powerful movement that seeks to shatter barriers, ignite minds and change the trajectory of an entire community is taking shape. This is a story of hope, passion and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge – a journey that will unlock the doors to higher education and transform lives for the better.
The mission of Unisa's KwaZulu-Natal Region - the vanguard of change and empowerment - is to profoundly impact the lives of those residing in the vibrant township of uMhlabuyalingana. This mission is set to resonate far beyond its boundaries.
On Tuesday 18 July 2023, a momentous day, the regional team met with the Mayor of the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, Thembinkosi Khumalo, and his exceptional team. The meeting exuded warmth and camaraderie as the parties shared their visions for a brighter, more equitable future.
From left: Sifiso Zikhali (Deputy Director Technical Services, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality), William Nhlenyama (Director Community Services, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality), Themba Mkhize (Manager Support Services and Operations, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal Region), Nozipho Mkhabela (Chief Financial Officer, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality), Cllr Thembinkosi Khumalo (Mayor, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality), Dr Joyce Myeza (Regional Director, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal Region), Nkosinathi Myeni (Municipal Manager, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality), Siyabonga Seme (Communications & Marketing Manager, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal Region), Dumsan Tembe (Director Technical Services, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality) and Celumusa Khumalo (Director Corporate Services, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality)
At the heart of the discussion was a ground-breaking collaboration – an audacious partnership between Unisa and the community of uMhlabuyalingana. The shared vision to establish a Unisa office on the community's doorstep is a transformative endeavour that holds the promise of reshaping the region's educational landscape.
The passion and enthusiasm emanating from Mayor Khumalo and his team were contagious and ignited a spark of inspiration in everyone who attended the event. Their unwavering dedication to uplifting their community and providing boundless opportunities for growth and success underscored the true essence of this partnership – to break the chains of limited access to higher education and embrace a future where dreams know no bounds.
The partnership will bring higher education to the doorstep of aspiring learners, who, until now, may have visualised what only seemed like an unattainable dream. The profound impact of this initiative cannot be understated. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by establishing a Unisa office in uMhlabuyalingana, doors will swing open, leading to a cascade of opportunities that will ripple through generations to come.
As this remarkable journey unfolds, the short-term plan is to operate the office before this year ends. The Unisa office in uMhlabuyalingana is set to revolutionise education in the region, empowering individuals to achieve their dreams and bring about transformative change.
* By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region
Publish date: 2023/07/25
Opening the skies for women in aviation
Unisa participates in Africa's biggest conference on archives and records management
Unisa alumni empowered to strengthen postgraduate education
Widening access to higher education
Unisa hosts MoodleMoot Africa 2023