Unisa unlocks opportunities for its students

Unisa alumnus, former student leader and legal expert Andries Nkome says Unisa's motto, "Pro gentibus sapientia", meaning "learning in service to humanity", which is derived from the institution's vision, is a relevant driving force to enhance development and literacy across Africa and beyond.

Andries Nkome

Nkome is pleased to be associated with Unisa, where he obtained an BProc degree in 2004 and is currently a master's candidate through the institution's Graduate School of Business Leadership. "My study is about The feasibility of a single African currency (the African dollar) in the wake of the Intra-Africa Free Trade Agreement," he says.

Acknowledging the significant number of alumni that Unisa produces annually and that its main campus is housed in South Africa's capital city of Tshwane, possessing, among others, more embassies than other African countries, great manufacturers and tourist destinations, Nkome asserts: "Through various economic local and global interventions, for example, Unisa should be a preferred platform to conduct cutting-edge research." He explains: "The research should address the development of Africa in improving literacy, food security and energy that is harmless to the environment, and provide its inhabitants with economic freedom they deserve."

Unisa provides turnkey solutions for students

Nkome notes that being a Unisa student has the convenience of studying and working simultaneously. "I managed to finance my studies by working, and as a result of my early exposure to the legal sphere, I passed the attorney's board exam in 2002 without a degree."

Additionally, due to practical exposure, Nkome established his practice, Nkome Incorporated Attorneys, in 2007 and is a senior associate of Phosa Loots Attorneys. He is also a commissioner of the Small Claims Court and has undergone the judges' training facilitated by the Legal Practice Council and North Gauteng Division of the High Court. Nkome is also known for high-profile legal cases, such as representing the Marikana Massacre families.

Through a student organisation, the International Association of Students in Economics and Business, where he served as Secretary General, Nkome ensured that Unisa students went on exchange and training programmes to prepare them for the workplace before graduating. Therefore, he recommends Unisa to partner with institutions such as the Sector Education and Training Authority to ensure that Unisa graduates are preferred in employment and business.

Nkome further affirms that Unisa is the employer of choice and unlocks opportunities for its alumni. "Had it not been for Unisa," he continues, "I would not have managed to obtain my degree and make a success of my life."

Also, Nkome says he is canvassing for appointment as Unisa's President of Convocation this year. He remarks: "It is through this office that close ties will be merged between this institution that attracts the best and relevant academics and alumni ready to curb inequality, unemployment, and illiteracy."

As such, Nkome recommends Unisa to prospective students as it is an institution that applies turnkey solutions for students and provides them with the dual benefit of theory and practice. Congratulating Unisa on its 150^th anniversary this year, he concludes: "The institution has a footprint across Africa, making it a pioneer for continental and global student exchange programmes."

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