Pioneering University of South Africa celebrates 150 years

The University of South Africa (UNISA), which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has been lauded for transforming education and playing a critical role in establishing African leadership, writes Kailene Pillay for IOL.

The ZK Matthews Great Hall of UNISA’s Winnie Madikizela-Mandela building in Pretoria was a hive of celebratory activities on Monday 26 June. The largest and oldest institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, although recently marred by controversy, has been described as an example of accessible education, by offering distance learning programmes to many across the continent.

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile commended the education institution on its achievements, but also said that this milestone should be used to reflect on how UNISA has contributed to shaping Africa’s intellectual future by asking difficult questions about UNISA’s future contribution to a better Africa and the world.
Full report on the IOL site