From Unisa Radio to the world stage: Unisa alumni excel in diplomatic careers

Unisa alumni and former Unisa Radio personalities, Happiness Mabasa and Tumisho Mashego, landed prestigious roles at the United States of America’s South African Embassy. As graduates who once entertained Unisa Radio listeners, they are now using their education to serve South Africa's interests on the international scene, highlighting the university's diverse reach and the success of its graduates.

Unisa transforming lives

Mabasa  is a Limpopo-born Pretoria resident, who was raised by her parents but later moved to Pretoria where she was raised by her grandmother, and began her path towards success.

Happiness Mabasa

In 2013, Mabasa took her first step towards higher education at Boston College, and the following year transitioned to the university of the land, Unisa, to further expand her knowledge and skills. “At Unisa,” she recounts, “I obtained a Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management. Thereafter I registered for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences. I completed this degree in 2020 and officially graduated in 2021.”

During her undergraduate studies, Mabasa joined Unisa Radio, taking the role of presenting sports news. She says that her journey at Unisa Radio was enriching in that it accommodated her studies while equipping her with indelible skills and knowledge in articulation, assertiveness, collaboration and broadcasting skills. She further states: “My journey at Unisa Radio was truly a wonderful an enriching experience. As a sports anchor and co-presenter, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic world of broadcasting. This role allowed me to develop a variety of skills, from effective communication and public speaking to teamwork and time management.”

“Working at Unisa Radio,” she continues, “I learned the importance of preparation and research in delivering accurate and engaging sports coverage. I also gained invaluable experience in live broadcasting, which taught me to think on my feet and handle unexpected situations with grace and professionalism. Co-presenting with talented colleagues provided me with the chance to collaborate and share ideas, enhancing my ability to work effectively within a team. This experience not only honed my broadcasting skills but also deepened my passion for sports journalism and media.”

Regarding the university, Mabasa affirms that Unisa is exceptional and unique in its flexible and accessible approach to higher education. She adds: “Furthermore, the high standards of academic excellence at Unisa challenged me to strive for excellence, fostering in me a strong sense of discipline, self-motivation, and resilience. The skills and knowledge I acquired during my time at Unisa have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, empowering me to pursue my goals with confidence and determination.”

Mabasa asserts that the university’s teaching and learning modality has positively impacted her by providing the opportunity to balance her academic pursuits with handling other responsibilities. “This flexibility allowed me to work, gain practical experience, and continue my studies without being confined to a traditional classroom setting,” she says.

“Thanks to this august university,” she continues, “I am currently employed at the United States’ South African Embassy as a Strategic Content Coordinator. My education at Unisa has significantly impacted my current role by equipping me with essential skills in communication, research, and content management. The flexibility and discipline required for open, distance and eLearning prepared me to handle diverse tasks efficiently, and the comprehensive knowledge gained through my studies has enhanced my ability to develop and implement effective content strategies in a dynamic international environment.”

Regarding the university’s 151 years of teaching, learning and changing lives, Mabasa states: “Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone of excellence in teaching and learning. Your unwavering commitment to accessible education and innovation has transformed countless lives, including my own.”

Concluding, Mabasa advises current students to maintain discipline and embrace the flexibility that the university offers, adding: “Ensure you create a structured study schedule and stick to it, and don't hesitate to reach out for support from lecturers and peers through online forums and study groups. Stay motivated, remain proactive in your learning, and remember that the skills and knowledge you gain here will open doors to countless opportunities.”

Creating African futures

Mashego grew up in the small village of Kgautswane in Limpopo, where he attended both primary and secondary schooling at Dipitsi Primary, and Maokeng High School, respectively.

Tumisho Mashego

Mashego studied Public Relations Management at Unisa and graduated in 2014. “Currently,” he says, “I am studying again with Unisa towards a Bachelor of International Relations and Diplomacy.” He adds that the university’s flexibility in studying while working was the ultimate prime choice. He explains: “The fact that you can work and study, is what many South Africans need to create an academic legacy for themselves and break generational curses through education.”

Mashego began his radio journey in 2012, while doing a business pitch to print T-shirts. He continues: “When I approached the station's management to offer my T-shirt branding services, my pitch got me a foot in the door. Thereafter I volunteered to join the breakfast show The Morning Cruise doing sports. Because of my passion for sports, I then pitched my own show to management, which was given the green light. The show, The Sports Hub, was nominated for and won multiple Unisa radio awards.”

Mashego recalls unforgettable moments he shared with former colleagues at the campus station who are now working at commercial radio stations. “I shared the Unisa Radio microphone with  the likes of Masego Cresh Tlhakanye, now at 5FM, TruFM’s Luyolo Mkhaliphi, and Power 98.7’s Blessing Manganyi, to name but a few.”

Mashego is now employed by the United States’ South African Embassy as Alumni Affairs Coordinator and Stakeholder Relations Officer. He adds: “Unisa has made a major contribution to my current line of work, including my stint at the College of Economic and Management Sciences, where I worked as a communication and marketing assistant.”

Mashego acknowledges the hurdles brought by learning through open, distance and eLearning, but his career success attests that the results far outweigh the obstacles along the study journey.

Mashego advises current students, especially those juggling full-time employment, family responsibilities and studies, to make time for their studies, and to embrace discipline as the key to their success and graduation.  Concluding, Mashego expresses gratitude towards the university and the countless lives that its high-quality education has impacted and transformed to reach their dream, adding: “Keep creating African futures and transforming lives.”

Mabasa and Mashego’s stories demonstrate the university’s dedication to equipping its students with the necessary high-quality knowledge to excel and be recognised by international employers.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement