Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at UNISA 150 Years celebrations, Pretoria

Programme directors, Prof MT Mogale, Executive Dean: College of Economic and Management Sciences, Prof P Segalo, Chairperson of Unisa Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, and Dr G James, Deputy Director of Community Engagement,
His Excellency Dr TM Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of South Africa,
Mr J Maboa, Chairperson of the University Council and other members of the University Council present,
Prof P LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa and other Members of the University Executive and Extended Management present, 
Our Minister, Dr BE Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, 
Mrs M Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Human Settlements,
Mr Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation,
Ms L Ntshalintshali, MEC: Social Development of Mpumalanga and other public representatives who may be present here today,
Your Excellencies: Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing various countries in South Africa,
Senior officials from various government departments and state agencies,
Senior Prince NS Mampuru, Senior Prince Bapedi ba Mamone and other traditional leaders present,
Ms AM Miller, United Nations Women Multi-Country Representative United Nations Women and other members of the United Nations and SAWID present,
Dignitaries from Provincial, and Local Governments,
Representatives from other universities in the Higher Education sector,
Business Communities, Ecclesiastical Communities, representatives from various Political Parties, and various Research Institutions present,
Members of the Unisa National Students Representative Council and other Unisa Student Structures,
Members and leaders of various political parties and organs of civil society,
Representatives from various media houses,
Representatives from various Unisa forums and organised Labour,
Retirees, alumni, and other members of the University community present,
Friends of the University of South Africa attending this occasion virtually,
Our esteemed artists present here today:
Ms Simphiwe Dana, Singer, and Songwriter,
Ms Ami Faku, Singer,
The 150-Year Birthday Celebration Choir,
Djembe Drummers, Creative Arts Performance,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning! 

We consider it a great honour to be able to participate in the celebration of this extraordinary achievement of UNISA reaching the milestone of 150 years.

On this day in 1873, the University of South Africa was established, marking the beginning of a journey that led us all here today. 

It is no coincidence that 82 years later, on the same day, the Freedom Charter was adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown, Soweto.

The Freedom Charter instructs us to ensure the free exchange of ideas, the encouragement of cultural expression, and free, compulsory, universal, and equal education for all children.

UNISA adhered to this instruction, and over time, it has transformed into an institution of higher education that is committed to quality and universal education, accessible to all Africans.

As we commemorate the 150th year of UNISA, the largest and oldest institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, we should 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.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

In our view, UNISA is an example of accessible education; by offering distance learning programs, you have touched many people who would not otherwise be able to visit your campuses across the continent. 

This includes establishing centers in other nations, such as Ethiopia, which hosts the African Union's headquarters. 

Currently, UNISA has one of the highest enrolments rates of any African country, offering free education to improve life chances for underprivileged children.

Since the year 2000, there has been a 35 percent increase in the number of adults who have completed their tertiary education, while enrolment in higher education institutions has more than doubled.

This was also made possible by the educational funding scheme, such as the NSFAS which we have set up to help South African students to further their education at public TVET colleges and universities. 

As a Government guided by the Freedom Charter, education is our highest priority. 

In this regard, the education sector receives the largest percentage of government spending (5% of GDP), with 21% of non-interest allocations being set aside for basic and higher education respectively.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are happy that UNISA has also played a significant role to broaden access to education since its founding in 1873.

We are also pleased that this institution has been able to adjust to changes consistent with the current generation, also known as "digital natives". 

It is a cause for celebration that your institution has been a pioneer and a driving force behind the transformation of education. 

We strongly recommend that you maintain your pioneering position in encouraging other organizations to embrace and rapidly adopt the use of technology, as you did during the COVID pandemic. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your commitment to remaining flexible in the face of societal shifts is evinced in the breadth and depth of your institution's degree, diploma, and certificate programs. 

Today, we commend the University for having six academic colleges and over 350,000 students, making it one of the world's most diverse universities.

One of UNISA's greatest assets is its dedication to making education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds across the African continent. 

By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods, the university has overcome geographical barriers and expanded access to higher education for individuals who might not have had it otherwise, due to the socio-economic circumstances. 

This inclusiveness has been instrumental in cultivating a diverse population of leaders, ensuring that African voices and perspectives are represented in influential and decision-making positions all over the world.

In essence, UNISA has been instrumental in transforming education by advocating for change, innovation and equity, and using technology to transform the way we learn.

As you continue to shape and reclaim Africa's intellectual futures, as the government we will continue to partner with you so that we can contribute immensely to an improved education system towards the National Development Plan 2030, thus the Sustainable Development Goals more so of equitable and equal education in the fight against poverty and women's emancipation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is no doubt that this institution has always been committed to excellence in education and research, and we must continue to aspire for this as we move into the future and establish new objectives for the next 150 years.

As we set new goals we must work together to resolve existential challenges such as;

1.    Continued lack of access to quality education: 
2.    Inequality in education: 
3.    High dropout rates: 
4.    Poor literacy and numeracy skills: 
5.    Lack of funding for higher education: 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Therefore, as we look ahead to the next 150 years, we will continue to invest in the resolution of the aforementioned issues, as well as in the improvement of the delivery of quality education, in order to construct education cities, generate much-needed economic skills, and guarantee our nation's globally competitiveness.

To create a prosperous nation that can compete globally, we must first invest in the development of our human capital by providing opportunities for our youth to acquire marketable skills.

In this regard, we expect universities and colleges to develop programs focusing on practical skills that can be immediately used in the economy.

Moreover, in order for teachers to effectively educate the students of today, who will work in the near future with systems that are operated and continually expanding as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they must be taught how to use the most advanced teaching software.

In this regard, we applaud, the institution’s College of Education (CEDU), which boasts the highest teacher registration and qualifications with more than 100 000 registered undergraduate students. 

We are comforted by the fact that some of CEDU's educational initiatives to empower teachers include a focus on their qualification improvement through aligned academic and professional programmes and engagement with districts of the Department of Basic Education to enable teachers to further their education. 

We also encourage teachers, to be part of various Engaged Scholarship (ES) projects and register for Short Learning Programmes (SLP) to advance their skills.

As a government, we are committed to improving the quality of education. We have further, introduced a new curriculum that focuses on giving students practical and relevant skills that they need in the twenty-first century. 

As an esteemed institution of higher education, UNISA has continuously prioritised African leadership and development in its mission and vision. 

Throughout its 150 years of history, the university has been a key driver in developing the next generation of African leaders and stimulating socio-economic advancement on the continent.

Recognising Africa's unique challenges and abundant opportunities, UNISA has actively worked to equip individuals with the information, skills, and mind-set necessary to lead and drive intellectualism. 

This university has played a critical role in establishing African leadership and development agendas through its unique curriculum, research projects, and community participation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the new curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship and encourages critical thinking, innovative technologies and creative problem-solving skills. 

These are all key skills required for South Africa to develop a highly-skilled and dynamic workforce for its growing economy.

While we acknowledge the strides that have been made towards transforming education in South Africa, the task ahead is still considerable. 

We must continue to work towards closing the education gap and ensuring that every child has the same opportunities. The transformation of education is a vital part of our country's development. 

We must continue to work together to give every child the chance to fulfil their potential and become active and healthy citizens who contribute to the growth of our nation.

As we celebrate the 150 milestones, let us remember the thousands of students and staff who have contributed to making UNISA the great institution it is today. 

Your commitment to diversity and inclusion has made education accessible to people of all backgrounds, removing barriers and empowering individuals to pursue their goals.

As I conclude let me say, together, you have shaped the identity, values, and mission of the university. This could not have been done by one person. This is partnership in practice that we see today.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead and commit ourselves to building a more inclusive, just, and equitable society.

Let me conclude by extending our congratulations to UNISA on its 150th anniversary and best wishes for its future. 

Thank you.