Latest news with #UNISA
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Like father, Like son: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh earns law degree
Dr Sizwe recently graduated from the University of South Africa. Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh with his father, Dali Mpofu, at his graduation. Picture: Instagram/@sizwempofuwalsh Author, academic and broadcaster Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh has officially added another qualification to his name. He recently earned a law degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA), following in the footsteps of his father, Dali Mpofu, who is a prominent South African advocate and legal professional. Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Dr Sizwe said completing his undergraduate law degree was one of the most demanding yet rewarding chapters of his life. 'I never planned to study law. Everyone thought I would because of my father, so I rebelled. But during the pandemic, while working on my second book, I found myself drawn into constitutional debates and discovered the quiet power of the law. I couldn't look away anymore,' he wrote. He added that transitioning from holding a doctorate in international relations to starting again as a law student was a humbling experience. ALSO READ: 'They should be embarrassed': Mpofu slams charges as disciplinary hearing postponed Balancing work, family and studies Dr Sizwe currently lectures in international relations at Wits University and is the founder of the popular current affairs YouTube channel SMWX. He said balancing a growing podcast, his academic duties, and parenthood while pursuing his law studies was one of the toughest professional challenges he has faced. 'I could never have known my son would be born during this journey, cheering me on in his small way as I moved from nappies to assignments, and back again. To share this moment with those I love has been the greatest gift,' he added. While he is not stepping into the courtroom just yet, he said his focus remains on academia and growing his podcast. 'But maybe one day, I'll stand before a court, adding my voice to a tradition that shaped me. This graduation felt special for all these reasons.' NOW READ: Sun Goddess' Vanya Mangaliso and musician Feya Faku laid to rest
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Sebokeng Hospital hosts uplifting youth celebration
Sebokeng Hospital has shown its commitment to youth empowerment through a celebration for young people dubbed 'The power of education', aiming to showcase the spirit, resilience, and potential of young people. According to spokesperson Lerato Sedulawesi, the event aimed to empower learners and employees about the importance of education and encourage them to develop themselves academically. The event boasted a wealth of information about the importance of education and self-development, which molds people into functional members of society and helps eradicate poverty. During the event, pupils were also able to engage with representatives from both UNISA and Sedibeng TVET College about various fields of study as well as career advice. Various speakers dropped gems that will stay with pupils and staff beyond Youth Month, impacting their future life decisions positively. Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Motlhaoleng encouraged the audience to take education seriously since it's the only thing that will help them understand how to best take care of themselves, boost their confidence, and overall well-being, and their personal growth. Motlhaoleng emphasised that young people to take hold of the opportunities presented before them, such as the better education that the youth of 1976 protested for. Former porter Zandile Ndaba, who has worked herself up to becoming a Pharmacy Assistant, said that growing up, most people were taught about the importance of education, but did not comprehend what this really means. 'Education goes beyond just getting a job and making your parents happy, but it's, in fact, one of the most powerful tools. For the past 10 years that I have worked as a porter, it wasn't easy for me, because I always wished to better myself to accomplish my professional objectives, which is why I ventured into another field of study to increase my career chances,' said Ndaba. Confess Nthoba an Advanced Midwife working in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department says, 'In as much as we are providing pupils with insight about education, we also need to make them aware that education is not only limited to just knowledge from books, but it can be obtained through practical experiences outside of the classroom.' EPWP intern Katleho Mofukunyane encouraged all young people to get an education, as it will unlock doors for them. Mofukunyane encouraged young people to equip themselves with the necessary skills to reach their goals. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- The Citizen
Murdered KDM official identified as rising star Nokulunga Mashabane
Nokulunga Mashabane, a senior municipal official, was found murdered in her car on Friday, prompting a murder investigation and tributes from Mayor Ali Ngidi. Mashabane (31) was discovered on the Zinkwazi Link Road around 1.30am with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. KwaDukuza police confirmed that a case of murder is being investigated. No arrests have been made. KwaDukuza mayor Ali Ngidi expressed his shock, describing Mashabane as a 'rising star' in local government. Ngidi described her as humble, respectful, professional and deeply committed to her work. He said the two had spoken the day before at a school function and were due to meet again at a Youth Month event on Friday. Mashabane began her municipal career in 2019 as a secretary in the communications department and recently rose to a position in the mayor's office, overseeing intergovernmental relations and protocol. Originally from KwaMshibe in Maphumulo, she held qualifications in public relations from DUT and was studying towards an honours degree with UNISA. Ngidi said Mashabane was known for her grace, work ethic and passion for public service. 'She was so gentle she wouldn't hurt a fly, and yet she was met with such unimaginable brutality.' He called for calm and urged the public to avoid speculation while police investigations continue. 'Violence against women and children has become so pervasive that in some circles it is viewed as normal, and that is unacceptable. We must let the law take its course and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.'
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Curiosity Cube Debuts in Africa and Expands Global STEM Mission
After captivating students across North America and Europe with access to hands-on science, the Curiosity Cube from the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has launched its first-ever tour in Africa. To celebrate the inaugural tour, the Curiosity Cube held a kickoff event on June 10 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Johannesburg. During the launch event, volunteers from UNISA and the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, guided a group of students through three interactive science experiments designed to spark interest in STEM. Mantile Lekala, Director for School of Science from UNISA, was excited to see such enthusiasm from the visitors, 'It was a privilege to witness the launch of the South Africa Curiosity Cube on our university campus today. This initiative opens the door to curiosity, discovery, and opportunity for a new generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem solvers, and we are proud to be a part of it.' This event marks the first of 12 planned events in Johannesburg and kicks off a broader tour that will span five countries in Africa. Through 100 events between June and November, the Curiosity Cube aims to reach over 15,000 students in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The expansion into Africa reflects the company's commitment to advancing STEM. 'Expanding the Curiosity Cube to Africa marks an important milestone,' said Jeffrey Whitford, Vice President of Sustainability and Social Business Innovation. 'The potential for the next generation of STEM minds is extraordinary. Our goal is to increase our impact in 2025 and beyond, creating more opportunities for the youth in Southern Africa to be curious and help support an environment full of the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams.' To learn more about the Curiosity Cube mobile science lab, visit and follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_milliporesigma. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from MilliporeSigma
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Former UNISA finance chief claims university is defying CCMA ruling
Former University of South Africa CFO Phumlani Zwane has accused the university of refusing to pay him dismissal award following a protracted legal battle with the institution. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers Over and above accusations of unfair suspension and dismissal, a former University of South Africa (UNISA) Vice Principal: Finance and Business CFO, Phumlani Zwane, has accused the institution of refusing to pay him the remainder of his CCMA award granted against the university on April 14, 2025. According to Zwane, this failure by UNISA to settle has resulted in the writ execution order of some of its assets. Zwane revealed that the alleged unfair dismissal and suspension were that he had complained to the institution in 2019 about a number of financial issues while VC Professor Mandla Makhanya was in charge. He said his attempts to raise financial irregularities were rewarded with an unfair suspension, which resulted in his unfair dismissal in 2021. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Since then, Zwane, who has been fighting his suspension through the courts, said he has not seen joy after UNISA allegedly failed to honour the R985,000 award by the CCMA despite the institution having complied with his unfair suspension settlement of more than R300,000. His last attempts to get his money in April resulted in a letter addressed to the current VC and UNISA Council Chairperson, DD Mosia, stating: "This is to notify you that following the CCMA awards issued on the 14th of April 2025, I then sent my banking details and request for payments to your attorneys via email on the 24th of April 2025, which have not been responded to date." Zwane's complaints come amid reports that the institution has been engaged in a series of suspensions involving some of its senior officials who are being sidelined for allegedly sounding the alarm over rampant irregular financial transactions at the institution. This has resulted in the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, indicating that she will look into the situation at the institution. "So effectively, Unisa has had three CFOs in the past five years. Two of whom were removed after raising financial irregularities with the council. The other strong evidence is that he also jumped ship as he was being forced to compromise financial controls so comrades could eat," Zwane alleged. According to Zwane, Unisa's unlawful actions have resulted in him having laid three complaints before the CCMA, which include an unlawful suspension dispute, an unfair dismissal dispute, and an unfair discrimination dispute, which he alleges are meant to frustrate the justice process and enforce his unlawful dismissal. However, in a statement, Unisa said Zwane only referred two matters to the CCMA, with the university having recently taken his unfair dismissal on review. "Mr Zwane referred two matters to the CCMA: one concerning an alleged unfair labour practice and another regarding alleged unfair dismissal. The university confirms that the matter relating to the unfair labour practice was resolved with full payment. The unfair dismissal matter has been taken on review by the university," Unisa said. As a result of the review application, Unisa stated that it will await the process before making a final decision on the matter. It added that it does not owe Zwane anything at this stage. "In accordance with legal procedure, the filing of a review application suspends the CCMA award. Therefore, there is no university maintains that there was no unfairness in the process," it said.
