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Former names | University of the Cape of Good Hope |
|---|---|
| Motto | Pro Gentibus Sapientia(Latin) |
Motto in English | In the service of humanity |
| Type | Public Distance education Mega University |
| Established | 1873; 152 years ago (1873)[1] |
| Endowment | R22 billion |
| Chancellor | Thabo Mbeki |
| Vice-chancellor | Puleng LenkaBula |
Administrative staff | 6,218(as of 2015) |
| Students | 420,000(as of 2019)[2] |
| Location | ,, 25°46′02″S28°11′58″E / 25.76722°S 28.19944°E /-25.76722; 28.19944 |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colours | Maroon,Navy andWhite |
| Nickname | UNISA |
| Affiliations | |
| Website | unisa.ac.za |
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TheUniversity of South Africa (UNISA)[a] is the largestuniversity system inSouth Africa by enrollment. It attracts a third of all higher education students inSouth Africa. Through various colleges and affiliates, UNISA has over 400,000 students, includinginternational students from 130countries worldwide, making it one of the world'smega universities and the only such university inAfrica. It is the only higher education institution to carry the name of the country.
As a comprehensiveuniversity, Unisa offers both vocational and academic programmes, many of which have received international accreditation. It also has an extensive geographical footprint, providing its students with recognition andemployability in many countries around the world. The university lists many notableSouth Africans among itsalumni, including twoNobel Prize winners:Nelson Mandela, the first democratically electedpresident of South Africa, andArchbishopDesmond Tutu.[3]
Founded in 1873 as theUniversity of the Cape of Good Hope, the University of South Africa (commonly known as Unisa) spent most of its early history as an examining agency forOxford andCambridge universities, and as an incubator from which most other universities in South Africa are descended. Legislation in 1916 established the autonomous University of South Africa (the same legislation also establishedStellenbosch University and theUniversity of Cape Town as autonomous universities) as an "umbrella" or federal institution, with its seat inPretoria, playing an academic trusteeship role for several colleges that eventually became autonomous universities.[4] The colleges that were under UNISA's trusteeship were Grey University College (Bloemfontein),Huguenot University College (Wellington),Natal University College (Pietermaritzburg),Rhodes University College (Grahamstown),Transvaal University College (Pretoria), the South African School of Mines and Technology (Johannesburg), and Potchefstroom University College.[5] In 1959, with the passage of the Extension of University Education Act, UNISA's trusteeship also extended to the five "black universities", namelyUniversity of Zululand,University of the Western Cape,University of the North, University of Durban-Westville, andUniversity of Fort Hare.[6] In 1946, UNISA was given a new role as adistance education university, and today it offerscertificate,diploma, anddegree courses[7] up todoctoral level.
In January 2004, UNISA merged with Technikon Southern Africa (Technikon SA, apolytechnic) and incorporated the distance education component ofVista University (VUDEC). The combined institution retained the nameUniversity of South Africa. It is now organised bycollege and by school; seebelow.
Unisa's Muckleneuk Campus is located inPretoria and is a major landmark of the capital city. It was in 1972 that Unisa moved into its new home onMuckleneuk Ridge having vacated the old quarters in central Pretoria. The complex of buildings was designed by Bryan Sandrock Architects in the 1960s and expresses an international style characterised by monumental proportions andengineering feats like the cantilevered structures. The most striking feature is the long projection from the brow of the hill, supported by a giant steel girder resting on a massive column.
Also in Pretoria is the Sunnysidecampus, the main area of student activity. The Floridacampus inJohannesburg is Unisa's sciencecampus. The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and some departments of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology is housed here. The science campus contains 12 buildings, alibrary, twoauditoriums and a large study area. It also includes a horticultural centre and a multipurpose research and training facility designed to meet the education and research needs of students in a range of programmes including agriculture, ornamental horticulture and nature conservation.[8] Aside from in-person campuses, the University of South Africa also offers correspondence learning, extending their institution beyond brick-and-mortar locations.
The university has seven regional centres inSouth Africa, servicing students in all nine provinces. These are:
According to data extracted from the final auditedHigher EducationManagement Information System (HEMIS) submissions to theDepartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Unisa had 355,240 students enrolled in 2013 fromSouth Africa,Africa, and other international states. The largest portion of these students areSouth African, being 91.4% (324,607) of the sum of the student enrollments. The College ofEconomic andManagement Sciences (CEMS) is the largest of the eight colleges, with 26.7% (94,972) of the total student enrollments.[9]
According to the same HEMIS submission, UNISA had 5,575 staff members in 2013. The staff complement consisted of 3,261 females (55.7%) and 2,593 (44.3%) males. 2011 figures from the Department of Institutional Statistics and Analysis (DISA) at the university show that the majority of the staff employed are non-professional administrative staff, being 56.8% (3,164). The number of institutional/research professionals are 33.2% (1,846) of the sum of the staff employed. Therefore, it is imperative for editors to note unverified notes here,<now everyone is editing>
As one of the world's mega universities, Unisa presents academic offerings associated with both technological and traditional universities. These include, but are not limited to, a combination of career-orientated courses usually associated with a university of technology, and formative academic programmes typically linked to a traditional university.
In addition to the eight colleges and SBL, UNISA has numerous bureaus, centres, institutes, museums and units[10] supporting academic development and research.
The qualifications offered by the College of Science,Engineering and Technology for the field of engineering are intended for technician and technologist training rather than as the academic component for admission to the engineering profession. The programs are therefore aligned with Dublin (Technician) & Sydney (Technologist) Accords.[11][12][13] Graduates from the university in these programmes cannot register with the as a Professional Engineer with theEngineering Council of South Africa. The university has introduced a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours being a Level 8 qualification (on theNational Qualification Framework). This is not recognized for admission as a Professional Engineer and is a bridging mechanism for further studies for technologists and technicians.[14]
South Africa has an extreme skills shortage in respect of engineering and allied vocations.
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Global – Overall | |
| ARWU World[15] | 901–1000 (2023) |
| QS World[16] | 901-950 (2026) |
| THE World[17] | 1001–1200 (2024) |
| USNWR Global[18] | =821 (2023) |
In 2015, the University of South Africa was ranked the 6th best university inSouth Africa by the Times Higher Education. This makes the university the 6th best university inAfrica, out of 30.[19]
| UNISA Times Higher Education Ranking 2016 to 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Year | World Rank |
| 2024 | 1001–1200 |
| 2023 | 1001–1200 |
| 2022 | 801–1000 |
| 2021 | 1001+ |
| 2020 | 1001+ |
| 2019 | 1001+ |
| 2018 | 801–1000 |
| 2017 | 801+ |
| 2016 | 601–800 |
| [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] | |
UNISA received aroyal charter in 1877. It currently operates under theStatute of the University of South Africa issued in terms of theHigher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997), and is accredited by theSouth African Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Its qualifications (including those of the SBL) are registered with theSouth African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
UNISA is inter alia listed in the following publications:International Handbook of Universities published by theUnited Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and officially verified by theInternational Association of Universities.
In other cases the publication of an institution's name in specific authoritative publications forms the basis of accreditation. Students must however inquire from the specific foreign country/university whether UNISA's qualifications are accredited/recognized.[34]
Internationally, UNISA is listed in theCommonwealth Universities Handbook of 1999 and also in theInternational Handbook of Universities of 1998. It is actually listed as Member ofthe Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU 2018).[35][36]
The qualifications offered by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology are also accredited internationally through the accreditation done by theEngineering Council of South Africa under theDublin[13] andSydney[12] Accords.
Students need aschool-leaving qualification that would entitle them to enter a university or college in their own country. The majority of applications are now processed online.[37] Applicants must meet the requirements for the course they wish to study.
The university has introduced new rules on entrance requirements since 2014, this outright rejectsTVET College graduates. Previously these students was allowed to complete bridge subjects and even Higher Certificates before going towards theDiploma and National Diploma. Even completing theNational Senior Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 will not be accepted without further education. UniversitiesSouth Africa argue the subjects from the school curriculum are more "significant in-depth" than the N3 subjects.[38] The university is therefore likely the only university with this rule. University of South Africa refers these students to consider other universities and colleges.[38]
UNISA is renowned for its versatile teaching approaches, providingonline and distance courses and high-quality education. Since its establishment, UNISA has proposed the concept of "learner-centered" distance open education.[39] Over the past century and a half, UNISA has continuously provided high-quality, efficiency-driven tools for students and teachers, for example, providing data services for students and academic personnel to access UNISA'svirtual education environment.[40][41]
UNISA has seized the opportunities of digital transformation, facilitated highscientific research output, and ensured more efficient course implementation through multiple and strategic partnerships of the years to enhance and innovate open and distance learning experience across the world.[42][43] Notable among these partnerships is theTimes Higher Education – University of South Africa on University Impact Forum: Quality Education by hosting higher education leaders to develop quality education in Africa to meet theUnited Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGoal 4 - Quality Education.[44] Higher education Africa is hindered by chronic lack of investment, an unsustainable policy environment, competition from outside Africa for academic talent,international conflicts and acolonial legacy that has created multiple socio-economic challenges that higher education must respond to.[45][46]
The UNISApolicy document onAcademic Integrity sets out the basic definition and types of academic integrity transgressions (A1), guidelines for policy implementation (A2) guidelines for corrective measures to be imposed for transgression identified in the policy on academic integrity (A3) and declaration of originality (A4).[47] UNISA has a zero tolerance for any form of dishonesty or cheating activity related to assessments and exams and spell out punishments for students found guilty of any form ofacademic dishonesty to have their modules cancelled and their marks withdrawn. They will also face up to a maximum of five years suspension from the university and from alluniversities in South Africa.[48][49]
In recent times there has been an outcry on cheating cases with students blaming glitches on the online invigilator application of the institution. UNISA is currently investigating over 1,400 student disciplinary cases of academic dishonesty as of 2024. The University’sVice Principal for Institutional Development, Ramagoai Magano, says most of cases of academic dishonesty are by postgraduate students.[50][51][52][53] A significant number of the cases of academic dishonesty are cases ofplagiarism as the university's online system has flagged potential instances of cheating and copying during tests which has prompted these thousands of investigations of academic integrity. Many students on the other hand have blamed theacademic institution for the inconsistencies in its online platform academic assessment.[54][55][56]
Unisa has been promoting and promulgating culture in all its manifestations since its inception in 1873. Apart from the academic courses offered by UNISA'sCollege of Humanities, practical language, art and music skills have been actively pursued through the setting of curricula and the implementation of special courses and examinations.
The Unisa Foundation was established in 1966 and now has approximately 280 active donors, many of them individualalumni with the desire to give back to the communities, South African and international, with a sense ofsocial responsibility. Equally vital is the role played by theBoard of Trustees, whose members not only oversee the affairs of the Unisa Foundation but who also lend the weight of their professional and personal reputations in a drive to reach potential donors, without financial reward to themselves.
Based at Unisa's main campus inMuckleneuck,Pretoria, the foundation has Fundraising and Development Divisions inGauteng, theWestern Cape andKwaZulu-Natal. These divisions support the smooth running of projects being undertaken in their regions while raising additional funding for localcommunity projects.
UNISA Press is the largest university press inSouth Africa and Africa, with the biggest publication list.[58][59]
Notable among the list of publications include;Sisters in the Struggle by Kalpana Hiralal (Women of Indian Origin in South Africa's Liberation Struggle 1900–1994 Volume 1: 1900–1940s),[60]Essays in Online Education; A Global Perspective by Professor Mandla S. Makhanya and Dr Divya Singh,[61]Names Fashioned by Gender by Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa and Prof Madodo Cekiso (a collection of essays on onomastics – a linguistics field of study focusing on the origin, form, history, and use of proper names),[62]Dark Matters: A Conversation with History, Saluting the Extraordinary Humanitarian Endeavours of South African Black Scientists by Colin T. Johnson[63] and Violence in Schools: South Africa in an International Context by Clive Harber and Vusi Mncube.[64]
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On 17October 2021, a leaked ministerial report claimed that rampantcorruption at Unisa undermines the quality of education, and highlighted the risk that the institution is becoming a "qualifications factory".[65][66] The claim that Unisa was becoming adiploma mill due to mismanagement were being reviewed byBlade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology. On 19October 2021, Unisa released a statement attempting to "correct" these claims.[67][68][69]
The University boasts of being an institution that has given access totertiary education to all people, irrespective of race or colour, particularly given South Africa’s history of apartheid. Its rich history includes a diverse mix of notable and famousalumni. This identity of UNISA has been its strongest and positive attraction that it is open, flexible and affordable thus serving the needs of the most disadvantaged communities.[70][71] However, the University's anniversary year in 2023 is blemished by a range of controversies and a failure to live up to its mission and strategic goals as it celebrates its 150 years of existence.[72] These controversies elicited the Human Rights Commission report, the Ministerial Task Team Report, and now this Independent Assessor report, all of which do not present a positive outlook for the University.[70][73] According to the report, UNISA’s problems came to the fore around 2015, with reports of challenges in governance, management and the quality of higher education provision such as allegations of deterioration of governance, instability of the executive management; continued complaints regarding student administration issues; the under-spending of earmarked grants; poor throughput and success rates, and very high dropout numbers; specific concerns regarding the quality of teacher education provision; levels of support provided to students at the institution within the context of distance learning; and concerns around the enrollment planning processes.[70][74][75][76]
Critics have shared their opinions about Nzimande announcement of his intention to place the 150-year-old open-distance e-learning institution under administration after dissolving the institution's council and appointing former University of Johannesburg Vice-chancellor Prof Ihron Rensburg as administrator for 24 months.[77][78] Minister Blade Nzimande's appointment of Prof Ihron Rensburg as administrator in October 2023 puts control of UNISA under the government for the next 24 months and he will be reporting to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation or any delegated official in the Department of Higher Education and Training in writing on a biannual basis.[79] A notable critic of the Minister's placement of UNISA under administration, Dr Seán Muller, a senior research fellow at the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study based at the University of Johannesburg has indicated that, placing UNISA under an Administrator will not solve the problems and challenges outlined by the Independent Assessor in his report. However, he reiterates that, “What has been clear is that there are many vested interests and agendas at play, including some of those who support the institution being placed under administration for reasons that have nothing to do with setting it on a better path."[80]
The management of University of South Africa (UNISA) challenged the decision of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to place the institution under administration in court by interdicting the Minister Blade Nzimande.[81] A sighted order granted by the North Gauteng High Court declared that Nzimande’s notice of intention was in breach of an order granted by Mr Justice Adams on 24 August 2023.[82] The institution's council has always maintained that the report of the independent assessor was fundamentally flawed, and its recommendations misplaced.[83][84]
Another concern about the Minister's decision to place UNISA under administration has brought up possible impacts to students of the University. However, the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has assured University of South Africa (UNISA) students they will not be affected when the institution is placed under administration.[85]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
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