Unisa's Gauteng Region strengthens student voice and experience

Unisa’s Gauteng Region hosted its Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) Quarterly Engagement on 30 September 2024 at the Florida Science Campus. The event, led by Regional Director, Moipone Masalesa, highlighted the critical role of student representation in shaping the educational experience. Key discussions revolved around student empowerment, the launch of the Unisa Co-Curriculum Programme Framework, and the diverse services available across the region's five service centres.

Back, from left: Siyathokozo Nkwanyana, RSRC Chairperson, Dr Smangele Ntuli, Head: Facilitation Learning, Moipone Masalesa, Regional Director: Gauteng Region, Ramotsoa Modiselle, Regional Service Centre Manager, Nthabeleng Lekere, RSRC Sports and Culture Officer, Ntokozo Simelane, RSRC Undergraduate Officer, Keneuwe Mhlambi, RSRC Postgraduate Officer.
Front, from left: Sinalo Gqada, RSRC Education Training Officer, Katlego Mokoena, RSRC Secretary, Kwanele Mhlophe, RSRC Treasurer

The RSRC had the opportunity to engage directly with regional management, asking critical questions and receiving detailed answers. The session emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring students benefit from university initiatives.

In her welcoming and opening remarks, Masalesa provided an overview of the region’s services. "Our Gauteng Region boasts five Regional Service Centres (RSCs) spread throughout the province, each offering essential student support," she explained. Masalesa outlined the range of services available at these centres, emphasising their role in supporting students academically and personally. She underscored the crucial role of the RSRC in amplifying student voices, improving student life, and ensuring students actively participate in shaping their educational journey.

During the session, the RSRC Chairperson, Siyathokoza Nkwanyana, addressed the Gauteng Region management, stressing the importance of working together to ensure that students benefit fully from the services provided. "Collaboration is key to ensuring that students reap the maximum benefits from the university’s initiatives," he said. He further noted that the interdependencies within the university often require the RSRC to adjust its programmes to align with broader university commitments. "We are sometimes forced to shift our plans to accommodate other institutional priorities, but this is necessary to ensure overall success," emphasised the Chairperson.

RSRC members also had the opportunity to engage with regional management, posing critical questions and raising issues impacting their constituency. The management team responded with detailed answers, providing clarity on various initiatives and future plans aimed at enhancing the student experience. This open and transparent dialogue strengthened the relationship between student leaders and management, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

A significant part of the engagement focused on the Unisa Co-Curriculum Programme Framework, launched virtually on 16 August 2024. Masalesa elaborated on the importance of co-curricular activities, stating, "Co-curricular activities provide students with learning experiences that complement the academic programme. They are crucial to shaping students' academic and personal development." The framework represents Unisa's commitment to holistic student growth, both academically and personally.

Looking ahead, clear timelines will be set by the RSRC for reporting progress on these initiatives, allowing the RSRC to effectively communicate updates to their constituency of over 300 000 students across the Gauteng Regional Service Centres. These timelines will ensure that student leaders provide precise, timely information, empowering them to better serve their peers.

In conclusion, Masalesa reaffirmed the importance of continuous collaboration between the university and its student representatives. "The RSRC plays a crucial role in making sure students feel heard and supported," she remarked, urging the council to remain actively engaged in driving student-centred initiatives. The event marked a positive step toward fostering stronger relationships and clearer communication between Unisa’s Gauteng Region management and its student representatives, ensuring an enriched student experience for all.

* By Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Unisa Gauteng Region, with input from Claude