VC meets Western Cape Region's staff and students

The VC with a few members of WC REM

Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Unisa, recently visited the Cape Town Campus for a series of meetings with campus management and the Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC). The visit was LenkaBula's first to the region in her capacity as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university. Her previous visit was in 2015, when she officially opened the Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) during her tenure as Dean of Students.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula (VC) at ARCSWiD plaque

Dr Shahieda Jansen, Acting Regional Director, welcomed the VC and expressed her gratitude, saying that she was able to schedule a visit to the region amid the myriad of graduation ceremonies. Jansen also noted how festive and vibrant the graduations felt and thanked LenkaBula for her role in ensuring that face-to-face ceremonies continued in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Engaging with staff at a working dinner held on campus, LenkaBula reminded staff that Unisa is an asset to society. "Therefore, staff, students and alumni should collaborate to ensure that the academic agenda of the university is prioritised so that it remains at the core of the university's business," she said. Encouraging the academic staff, LenkaBula also stressed the importance of the university strengthening its relationships with various organisations, including the National Research Foundation (NRF), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. She said: "The knowledge we produce must not just be theoretical; some of it must find translation into products, processes and systems that can be commercialised ."

Moreover, she emphasised that Unisa must begin to focus on specific niche areas such as aviation and oceanography, which can create a real, tangible impact on the economy and environment. Finally, she urged staff to future-proof themselves and the university by constantly upskilling instead of running the risk of going the way of organisations that were disrupted because they did not imagine the future.

The SRC is a statutory structure

Meeting with the Regional Student Representative Council the following day, LenkaBula reaffirmed the idea that the Student Representative Council is a statutory structure. She said: "Article 35 of the Higher Education Act delineates some of the responsibilities of the SRC." She added: "They should participate, represent the voices of the students, ensure that the academic processes and support are engaged with and aspire for the best systems of the university." 

Meeting with the RSRC

The VC encouraged members to find the challenges within their communities and learning environments and identify the solutions. In doing so, they add their voice to the university's leadership and its governance structures. She further challenged the SRC to know what is happening within the university's structures, including all its centres and colleges. "In this way, you can agitate for the best changes to improve the quality of the services and teaching and learning."

Sifundo Ndzube, RSRC Chairperson in the Western Cape, thanked the VC for the opportunity to meet with her and for creating a space where they felt comfortable discussing pertinent issues together. He alluded to the disruptive start of the year that was experienced by most in the university community and pledged to avail the RSRC to bring about normality to the university once again.

Khanya Mahlare, Executive Director: Department of Institutional Advancement, reintroduced her department to the RSRC and confirmed that they are an essential internal stakeholder. She encouraged the RSRC to be positive brand ambassadors of the university.

Lizette Le Roux, Student Social Development Manager, assured student leaders that her department is fully committed to dealing with student issues. She added that a report listing student concerns had been compiled, and a register was developed to track resolutions. Le Roux also thanked the RSRC for their continued support and tireless efforts to serve the plight of the students.

* By Vicky-Lee Shew, Communications Officer, Unisa Western Cape Region