Dankie, Unisa — Re a leboha for 150 years of improving lives

The reputable African university, Unisa, celebrates its 150 years milestone of, among others, improving the standard of living of its staff members. In this #Unisa150Stories edition, Unisa staff members share how the university shaped their lives.

Wilston Ngobeni and Portia Maluleke

Wilston Ngobeni, Security Officer, Protection Services

For me, being part of Unisa has changed my life. I had financial difficulties, but since the university insourced vulnerable workers like me in 2016, there has been progress in my life. This enabled me to save, get married, and build a family. I also got the opportunity to develop myself through studying for a Certificate in Safety Management at Unisa, and my family also has access to education.

As Unisa turns 150 years, I am grateful for the various opportunities it has given me. I urge the university to continue creating significant opportunities for us, especially the Department of Protection Services. Our safety and security role is essential to the university; hence it is crucial to embrace us.

Portia Maluleke, Cleaner, Cleaning Services

There are a few highlights that changed my life, and I embrace them. I was very hopeless in life, but since Unisa insourced us, things changed for the better. The university reached an agreement with the Multi-Stakeholder Task Team (MSTT) on insourcing in 2016 to absorb vulnerable workers. This was a life-changing moment for hundreds of security and cleaning staff as we gained access to several benefits the university offers its employees, such as access to education and better health care.

Since being absorbed permanently, I have learned much and acquired new skills. Being part of Unisa also taught me resilience and provided me with independence.

I wish Unisa a happy and successful 150^th birthday celebration. Thank you for improving lives. I look forward to more and better opportunities.

Owen Ndhlovu and Klaas Mabena

Owen Ndhlovu, Security Officer, Protection Services

Being associated with Unisa has improved my standard of living. What I appreciate about the institution is that it provides access to education to its employees. I now have a Security Practice Certificate, which is a significant achievement for me. My children also have access to education, thanks to Unisa. After being insourced by the university, my family and I also have notable benefits, such as access to better health care.

To celebrate its 150^th anniversary, I encourage Unisa to visit marginalised rural areas to motivate community members and provide them with information about how to apply to study at Unisa. This can be a community engagement project to give hope to those who have lost it. Additionally, I hope Unisa continues to provide access to education to its staff members and students.

Klaas Mabena, Security Officer, Protection Services

Being part of Unisa has been very beneficial for me as I had an opportunity to do a short course in Security Practice. Since I was employed at Unisa permanently, my family and I can access better healthcare. Also, one of my children is studying at another institution but is funded by Unisa as part of the university’s employee benefits.

Happy anniversary, Unisa; continue doing remarkable things in the higher education context. I encourage the university to intensify its public engagement to offer career guidance. This would ensure that marginalised communities have the necessary information about the importance of education to improve their lives. Furthermore, I encourage Unisa students and staff members from all walks of life to unite; we can raise the institution’s flag for its betterment.

#Unisa150      #Unisa150Stories

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement