The Unisa Convocation is the largest statutory body of the university, with a constituency exceeding one million alumni. As an important body within the university, the Convocation plays a crucial role in broadening the institution’s horizons, creating opportunities for graduates, and ensuring that the university's great reputation is upheld. This, in turn, preserves the integrity of our qualifications. Additionally, through its President, Mr. Justice Dabampe, the Convocation is a member of the Council and is fully committed to addressing the student debt crisis, ensuring that students who have completed their studies are cleared from the system and allowed to graduate.
In the months following its important Congress held in June, the Convocation has received significant support from its EXCO member and the VC of the university, Prof. Puleng Lenkabula. The Convocation believes that the university's footprint must be expanded beyond regional spheres, fostering global awareness in our intellectual approach and analysis. The university's recent strategy to partner with international institutions affirms our call for engaged scholarships. In our thinking, the university must be positioned in a sense that it provides solution to the 32% of unemployment and even shockingly the 45,5% of youth unemployment in our country.
The Convocation further acknowledges the exceptional contribution of the VC and Principal, Prof. Lenkabula, in supporting academics, which has contributed to the university's impressive rise in university rankings. Today, Unisa's brand is highly respected and well-regarded, a fact that is of great importance to the alumni community. The higher education sector is highly competitive, with new players emerging and private institutions reshaping the landscape. Unisa, as a university with historical challenges in meeting enrolment targets has addressed these challenges. The new business model of the university has successfully altered the student profile, the new student population is now younger, predominantly female, and largely Black. While celebrating this transformation, the university must continue to foster a diverse culture and address the challenge of high dropout rates.
The Convocation of the Council welcomes the reappointment of the VC. Among the many reasons for our support, we strongly believe that the steady leadership of the VC has contributed to the graduation of over 58,118 students—nearly half the number of graduates produced by other universities combined. The Convocation is also pleased to note that vacant positions within the university, particularly at the senior management level, have been filled. This is critical for achieving the university's full stability.
The University of South Africa is in a much stronger position today, both academically and in its impact on society. As bodies within the university, it is essential for us to put aside our differences and unite behind the leadership as they implement their vision. This vision aligns with the objectives of the Convocation, which seeks to bring both the public and private sectors to the forefront to collectively address issues such as unemployment and poverty.
The Convocation has drafted a critical Program of Action to address the needs of alumni across various spheres. The VC and Principal have been reliable and active member of the EXCO, pushing the structure to reach its full potential. On behalf of the university alumni, the President of the Unisa Convocation, Mr. Justice Dabampe, fully supports, both in speech and action, the leadership of Prof. Puleng Lenkabula and her management committee in their efforts to propel the university to the top.
Released on behalf of the Unisa Convocation,
Justice Dabampe
Publish date: 2024-12-12 00:00:00.0