Unisa champions ethical student leadership

Between 8 July and 7 August 2024, Unisa’s Ethics Management Division, in collaboration with the Student Governance Department, held a series of ethics training workshops across its regional hubs. The workshops were organised for the Regional Student Representative Councils (RSRCs).

The aim was to induct student leaders into ethical leadership while consulting on the newly drafted Student Leadership Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy. Facilitated by ethics professionals Zibuyile Jafta (Deputy Director: Ethics Management Division) and Zodidi Pinde (Ethics Practitioner Ethics Management Division), these workshops were held at the East London, KwaZulu-Natal, Polokwane, Western Cape, Rustenburg, and Nelspruit hubs.

Each two-day workshop focused on core principles of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership, with day two featuring consultation sessions on the newly drafted Student Leadership Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, designed to gather input from student leaders.

Additionally, RSRC members from each region crafted an Ethics Pledge, aligned with UNISA’s "11 Cs +1" framework and institutional values, as a commitment to ethical leadership in student governance.

Regional pledges

• Eastern Cape
  "We uphold the highest standards of student-centeredness and excellence. We commit to respect the dignity and diversity of all students, fostering ethical and servant leadership. Our pledge emphasises transparent communication, compassionate care, and integrity, ensuring strong student communities that support academic and career aspirations."

Eastern Cape RSRC

• KwaZulu-Natal
  "We, the RSRC of Unisa KwaZulu-Natal, pledge to uphold the values of the ‘11 Cs + 1’ framework. We commit to transparent and effective communication, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for sustainability. Our goal is to cultivate a strong, diverse, and compassionate student community, while prioritising consultation and justice."

KwaZulu-Natal RSRC

• Polokwane
  "We pledge to maintain a student-centred approach, respecting diversity and dignity, with a focus on servant leadership. Our commitment is to transparent communication, supporting students, and fostering academic success through collaboration and integrity."

Polokwane RSRC

• Western Cape
  "The Western Cape RSRC pledges to lead with courage, care, and creativity, strategically using institutional resources to support students. We commit to fostering cooperation and consultation, aligning our plans with the evolving needs of our student body."

Western Cape RSRC

• Midlands
  "We pledge to uphold integrity and transparent communication while fostering inclusivity and collegiality. Rooted in African values like Ubuntu, we are committed to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and valued, prioritising ethics over compromise."

Midlands RSRC

• Mpumalanga
  "The RSRC pledges to advocate for all stakeholders with ethical conduct, guided by Unisa’s values and the ‘11 Cs + 1’ framework. We commit to upholding collective responsibility, promoting dignity in diversity, and championing innovation and excellence."

Mpumalanga RSRC

Conclusion

These workshops underscore Unisa’s dedication to fostering ethical leadership, ensuring that student representatives are equipped to lead with integrity, accountability, and responsibility. The regional ethics pledges reflect the student leaders’ commitment to promoting the university’s core values, creating a positive impact on both the student body and broader community.

* By Zodidi Pinde, Unisa Ethics Practitioner, Deputy Registrar: Governance, Ethics Management Division