VC, NSRC share thoughts on key issues

Left to right: Gudani Magwaba (Treasurer General), Ululutho Gwabeni (Deputy Security-General), Shatadi Phoshoko (Secretary-General), Jane Lelahane (Postgraduate Officer), Tokollo Mmararo (Sports Officer), Prof Puleng LenkaBula (Unisa VC), Qhama Mati (Acting President), Khutso Mashiloane (Education & Training Officer) and Thabo Maake (Undergraduate Officer)

On 9 March 2022, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), met with the National Student Representative Council (NSRC) at Kgorong Building to discuss students’ issues, concerns and challenges. The meeting’s main objective was to bring about observable progress and resolutions to issues delaying academic excellence.

The NSRC Acting President, Qhama Mati, along with Secretary-General, Shatadi Phoshoko, presented students’ issues, with other members present weighing in on some of the themes.

The meeting covered the following issues, among many others: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances, administrative staff inefficiencies, staff not responding to student communication, hiring of Unisa graduates, and responses to postgraduate bursary applications.

In her opening address, the VC acknowledged the prominent role student leadership plays in shaping the future of the academic project. ‘Furthermore,’ she added, ‘we take the NSRC seriously given their statutory mandate to represent our main stakeholders, the students.’

The meeting was progressive and was characterised by robust yet respectful engagement on burning issues.

*By Lesego Chiloane-Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement