Latest news with #Unisa
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
MK Party MP Brian Molefe earns master's degree in law from Unisa
MK Party MP Brian Molefe has graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa). The former Eskom CEO's dissertation was titled 'Euthanasia and the right to dignity in South African law: A critique of Stransham-Ford'. 'It's about time we talk about the dignity people have lost over the years as a result of our history and how that is going to be fixed,' Molefe said. 'We are ready to engage on matters of human rights and dignity.' Molefe earned his LLB degree in 2022 from Unisa. In 2015 he was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering (DEng) from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. His other qualifications include a master's in business leadership, a postgraduate diploma in economics and a bachelor of commerce. He served as Transnet CEO in 2011 and was in the office of the premier of Limpopo for two years. In 2022 was implicated in alleged corrupt activities in the report of the Zondo commission into state capture.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Trump's attendance at the G20 Summit: A boost for South Africa's international relations
International relations experts and economists have welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that US President Donald Trump will attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November. International relations experts and economists have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that US President Donald Trump will attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, viewing it as a significant boost for South Africa's global standing and economic prospects. G20's Relevance Secured Andre Thomashausen, Professor Emeritus of International Law at Unisa, described Trump's attendance as a pivotal moment for the G20. 'The participation of the US President ensures the G20's relevance as a forum for the world's top leaders to engage informally, beyond the scope of the United Nations,' he said on Tuesday. 'With Trump present, other heads of state will have little reason to abstain.' However, Thomashausen noted a challenge: South Africa's commitment to enforcing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin, which may prevent his attendance and limit discussions on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Economic Implications for South Africa Siyabonga Ntombela, a political analyst at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, pointed to the economic significance of Trump's visit for South Africa-U.S. trade relations. 'This signals to the over 600 US companies operating here that investing in South Africa retains the support of the U.S. administration, despite Trump's recent tariff hikes, which some view as hostile to South Africa and other nations,' Ntombela said. He also pointed to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), noting that Trump's attendance could reaffirm US commitment to the program. 'However, it may also spark perceptions that South Africa is leaning away from BRICS neutrality, reflecting the complexities of global politics,' he added.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ramaphosa and Trump meeting seen as pivotal for US-South Africa trade relations
The business sector says that President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump's meeting this week is crucial to trade relations and the economy of South Africa. Image: SihleMlambo/IOL This week's meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and US President Donald Trump is being closely monitored by the international relations stakeholders as they have emphasised its significance for trade relations and the broader South African economy. Reflecting on the economic context, Andre Thomashausen, a Professor Emeritus for International Law at Unisa, indicated that South Africa's access to the US markets was crucial because the trade balance with the US was nearly 100% positive and in favour of the South African economy. Thomashausen said a total of R150 billion of exports will hang in the balance on Wednesday, a price too big to pay for postures of national pride. 'Imports from the US are insignificant compared to our exports to America, exactly the opposite of what is happening in our trade with China. But we also need to know that 55% of our agriculture exports to the US are produced in the Western Cape,' he said. 'If the negotiations about reintroducing a zero import tariff for our agricultural products fail this coming Wednesday, the Western Cape will be severely hit, and a massive loss of employment can be feared.' Ramaphosa's official visit to the US comes as diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington D.C. continue to deteriorate. The latest development saw 49 members of the Afrikaner last week accepting Trump's offer to migrate to the US as refugees as they fear persecution against them, a claim that the South African government has vehemently denied. Christo van der Rheede, executive director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, described the meeting as a welcome opportunity for constructive dialogue and cooperation between two nations that stand to gain from stronger ties. Van der Rheede said the spotlight should be particularly on the trade front and matters related to strategic geopolitical cooperation. 'On the trade front, South Africa remains the US' largest trading partner in Africa. Trade between the two countries already amounts to more than $20bn (R361bn). There are also approximately 600 US companies operating in South Africa. These companies employ up to 200 000 people,' he said. 'On a geopolitical level, President Ramaphosa plays a highly strategic role behind the scenes. His ties with both Putin and Zelenskyy, as well as the fact that he has the ear of Iran and Hamas, put him in a unique position to work with the US to help bring peace to conflict-torn parts of the world. 'The world faces significant challenges: poverty, underdevelopment, famine, and crime. Statesmanship and visionary leadership are needed to tackle these challenges together.' However, not all observers are optimistic about the meeting's potential in mending bilateral ties. Dr Noluthando Phungula, an international relations expert from the University of KwaZulu-Natal raised concerns regarding the political tensions marking the relationship between Pretoria and Washington D.C. Phungula said the Trump administration's recent position on South Africa concerning an International Court of Justice case against Israel and their controversial move to accept Afrikaners as refugees due to alleged systemic racial persecution added layers of complexity to the dialogue. She said there was a need to deal with the matter carefully, particularly following the sanctions from the US in a number of areas including trade, health, and defence. 'Calling out the US loudly has cost the country sanctions, particularly threats not to renew Agoa, the cessation of US development aid, and the dismantling of USAID operations in South Africa,' she said. Theuns Eloff from the Afrikaner Leadership Network said that the meeting was important and expressed hope that a plan to improve relations will come out of it. 'One meeting won't be enough to resolve all issues but we hope a plan will come out for other ministers in the different sectors of the economy to meet with the Trump administration to resolve issues around tariffs and trade relations,' he said. 'We don't believe that emigration to America is a solution to the plight of the Afrikaner community. We want our concerns to be addressed but we want it to be made clear in this meeting that there is no genocide against the Afrikaner and no land exploitation against the Afrikaner community, and that 49 Afrikaners who opted for refugee status don't represent the whole community.' Visit:
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The rise of alternative education
Online education is on the rise in South Africa—and it's changing how we learn. A quiet shift is taking place in South Africa's education landscape—one that is redefining what it means to learn, qualify and succeed. Online education, once seen as a fringe option, has moved firmly into the mainstream. Increasingly, South Africans are turning to digital platforms for accessible, affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional study. From short skills-based courses to fully accredited degrees, the era of alternative education is here—and it's growing faster than ever before. A growing preference for flexibility The demand for flexible learning isn't new, but the pace of adoption has accelerated dramatically. Today's learners want education that fits into their lives, not the other way around. Whether they're juggling work, caregiving or financial constraints, many are finding online education to be the solution. The appeal is clear: no commuting, no rigid timetables, and often, significantly lower costs. Courses can be taken at one's own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection—making it ideal for rural learners, parents and working professionals. This shift is also supported by the growing popularity of short courses, online diplomas and micro-credentials, which offer faster pathways to employment or promotion. Learners are prioritising practical skills and real-world relevance over lengthy academic programmes. Unisa: Leading the online education revolution The University of South Africa (Unisa) is a clear example of this evolution. As the country's largest university by enrollment—and one of the biggest distance learning institutions in the world—Unisa has long embraced online education as a viable, scalable model. With hundreds of thousands of students enrolled each year, Unisa's approach demonstrates the demand for remote and self-paced learning. Its success has paved the way for other institutions and private providers to follow suit, offering courses that cater to a wide range of academic interests and career paths. The model works because it recognises the reality of the modern learner: not everyone can afford full-time study, and not everyone needs a traditional classroom environment to thrive. Changing how we define success The rise of alternative education is also challenging long-held assumptions about what it means to be 'educated.' For years, university degrees were seen as the gold standard—but today, more South Africans are recognising the value of skills-based learning. Online learning platforms have made it possible to earn certifications in everything from digital marketing and coding to agriculture and bookkeeping. These skills are not only in demand but often lead directly to freelance work, side hustles and full-time employment. What matters now is not just where you studied—but what you can do. Support for the new learner With so many options available, navigating the online education space can be overwhelming. That's why platforms like FundiConnect have become essential. From helping students explore online institutions and programmes, to providing advice on career paths and funding, FundiConnect is helping thousands of learners take their next step with confidence. For those seeking to upgrade their skills, change careers or begin studying after a gap—online education is no longer a second-best option. It's a practical, empowering choice for a generation that values mobility, speed and impact. The future of education is here As South Africa's workforce evolves, so too must its education system. The rise of alternative education is not just a response to current challenges—it's a reflection of where the world is headed. Learning is no longer confined to lecture halls and printed textbooks. It's digital, dynamic and on-demand. And for South Africans ready to seize the opportunity, online education offers a gateway to a better future—on their terms. For more study, career and funding advice, visit or email support@ Facebook: @fundiconnectSA or X: @fundi_connect
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
South Africa: Unisa and UBU Metaverse pioneer immersive learning experiences
UBU (formerly Africarare), Africa's leading platform for AI-powered immersive experiences, recently partnered with the University of South Africa (Unisa) to deliver two groundbreaking metaverse events, with over 800 people in attendance, showcasing the transformative power of virtual environments in education and digital skills development. The first event, the inaugural Advancing African Digital Humanities (AADH) Summit, hosted by The Advancing African Digital Humanities Ideation Hub (AADHiH), held virtually as a digital twin of the physical summit hosted at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre in Pretoria, introduced a new standard for hybrid educational experiences. The event featured live-streamed international keynote addresses, interactive workshops across three immersive breakout rooms, and an innovative gamification element through treasure hunts. Participants also interacted with UBU's AI-driven personalities, including Nova, a sophisticated AI agent providing real-time event information, and the AI DJ, enabling students to craft original AI-generated music. The summit's dynamic programme, themed "Reimagining Africa's Knowledge Future in the Digital Humanities" attracted academics, industry leaders, policymakers, students and technologists, providing a forum for critical discussions on leveraging digital humanities to shape Africa's scholarly landscape. Participants lauded the event's interactive nature and its seamless integration of AI and immersive technologies. The second event, the Academic Development Open Virtual Hub (ADOVH) Student Digital Resilience Programme, was a vibrant virtual festival in the UBU's Heartbeat Arena venue designed to equip hundreds of Unisa students with essential digital skills for the future. Over two days, students participated in workshops ranging from basic web literacy to advanced AI applications and joined an exhilarating Microsoft AI Hackathon. The immersive environment included interactive zones such as a career fair, video expos, and a grand virtual stage where industry experts shared invaluable insights. Once again, UBU's AI agent Nova and the AI DJ enriched the experience, reinforcing students' digital fluency through interactive engagement. "These innovative immersive experiences are redefining the way education is delivered and received," said Denzil Chetty, project leader at the Advancing African Digital Humanities Ideation Hub. "The collaboration with UBU has propelled UNISA into the future, making high-quality digital skills and knowledge more accessible and engaging." Mic Mann, CEO of UBU, added: "Collaborating with Unisa to deliver these virtual events showcases the tremendous potential that exponential technologies have to empower African learners. We're thrilled by the enthusiastic response and look forward to advancing immersive education even further." Both events marked significant milestones in blending virtual and physical worlds, demonstrating the tangible benefits of immersive learning environments for higher education institutions.
