Inauguration Ceremony of UNISA as a UNEVOC CENTRE

The University of South Africa (UNISA) marked a significant milestone on 23 March with its official inauguration as a member of the UNESCO-UNEVOC Network. As the third institution in South Africa to join the network, UNISA now stands alongside the Durban University of Technology and JET Education Services as a recognised UNEVOC Centre of Excellence.

The inauguration ceremony brought together key stakeholders from across the education sector, highlighting the critical role of collaboration in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in South Africa. Keynote addresses were delivered by Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training; and Mr Olivier Pieume, Chief of Technical Cooperation at UNESCO-UNEVOC.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on UNISA’s longstanding contribution to shaping South Africa’s higher education landscape. Over the years, the institution has played a pivotal role in expanding access to learning, particularly for marginalised communities, while contributing to the evolution of the country’s university system.

This legacy, speakers noted, provides a strong foundation for the newly established UNEVOC Centre. Echoing the vision of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, the centre is positioned as a dynamic hub for research, innovation, and collaboration in the TVET sector.

Looking ahead, the centre will focus on a range of strategic priorities aimed at strengthening and modernising technical and vocational education. These include enhancing TVET college systems and curricula, unlocking opportunities within the blue economy in alignment with South Africa’s maritime context, supporting the continuous professional development of TVET educators, and improving infrastructure to ensure inclusive access for students with disabilities.

By building on its rich history while embracing innovation, UNISA’s inclusion in the UNESCO-UNEVOC network signals a renewed commitment to driving transformation in higher education. The establishment of the centre is expected not only to sustain the university’s impact but also to position it at the forefront of shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and future-oriented education system in South Africa.