Agriculture Minister Steenhuisen to study at Unisa

On 31 October 2024, the Minister of Agriculture in the Government of National Unity and leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, visited Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, and the university’s management. Steenhuisen excitedly expressed his desire to return to study with Unisa, stating that he will register for his undergraduate studies in 2025.

Honourable Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula

A warm reception from the VC’s office

During his visit to the office of the VC, Steenhuisen met the university’s management and stated that it was exciting and inspirational to engage with a team of academic leaders who, he said, are committed to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans through academic rigor and giving the highest level of service to students and to society.

Commending the VC and the university’s management, Steenhuisen said: “The VC is thoroughly engaging and deeply passionate about the university, and that passion translates into improvement – all this energy dedicated to making an institution succeed at the highest academic peak. She is supported by a dedicated, high-calibre team that is leading the university towards greater heights.”

Unisa management with Minister Steenhuisen and members of his office

The VC said: “In addition to his prospects of studying with Unisa, Minister Steenhuisen’s visit provided an invaluable opportunity discuss how universities, and specifically Unisa, work with the public and private sectors, and communities to enhance the benefits of agriculture to our country and the world.”

Damascus moment

Steenhuisen studied politics at Unisa but could not finish. However, during this visit, he stressed that being in the new government has made him realise he should continue with his academic aspirations. He further explained: “I started studying with Unisa some years ago, but did not finish. Now, holding a key office in government, there are certain skills that I would like to acquire that would help me do my job better, and Unisa gives me the flexibility to work and study, therefore I intend to continue with my qualification. My areas of interest are management, public policy, governance, and change management – these are the aspects on which I want to upskill.”

Endorsement of the university’s unqualified audit

On 28 October 2024, Cameron Dugmore, ANC Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, congratulated the university on receiving an unqualified audit opinion for the 2022/2023 financial year.  In his statement, Dugmore upheld the university’s contributions to shaping Africa’s intellectual future, and attributed this achievement to the leadership of the VC and support of the Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, adding that this highlights their commitment to financial stability and effective governance.

In his response to this, Steenhuisen applauded and congratulated the university’s management, adding: “Public representatives need to start speaking louder and more positively about the university.”

A lifeline for underprivilege students

Steenhuisen underscored the pivotal role of Unisa, giving access to high-quality education to those who are unable to access higher education. He continued: “Unisa is a lifeline for many students who cannot afford higher education or have to go to work and are unable to go into full-time studies. Unisa caters for both by providing the highest quality open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) teaching and learning mechanism so they may be able to further their studies. Therefore, I do hope that my commitment to coming back to study will inspire and give hope to others to finish their qualification.”

David Mahlobo’s visit to Unisa science campus

“This week we have been very fortunate to have two ministers visiting the university, to explore what the university specialises in – that is the areas of teaching, learning, research, engaged scholarship and innovation,” said the VC, noting the earlier visit of David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation. Mahlobo visited the university’s Science Campus in Florida.

An astute leader of the country

The VC stated that Steenhuisen is an astute leader of the country; therefore, she said, she is appreciative of his pivotal visit and his desire to further his education with the university. In addition, the VC said the visit by both Steenhuisen and Mahlobo gives credence to the university’s commitment to upholding high standards of teaching and learning and impactful education.

Concluding her message, the VC stated that, overall, she appreciates the support from various political party members, students’ formations and other communities. This, she said, comes at the right time when the university concluded graduating over 58 000 students in 2024. 

Steenhuisen will become the latest addition to the ranks of history makers who bear the hallmark of Unisa’s impactful education, and continued to make remarkable contributions to the country and the world through changing lives and shaping futures.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

* * Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre