
18 Oct UNISA ENTERPRISE’S INAUGURAL NATIONAL SUMMIT ON HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING A RESOUNDING SUCCESS.





October 17, 2024, Johannesburg: Unisa Enterprise (UE) Pty (Ltd), a subsidiary of the University of South Africa (UNISA) in partnership with Business Day Dialogues, successfully hosted its inaugural National Summit on Higher Education Funding. The event brought together leaders from corporate SA, academia, industry, and government to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions related to higher education funding in South Africa.
The summit, held on October 16, 2024, featured thought leaders discussing the intersection of academic research, financial strategies, corporate collaboration, and technological advancements, aiming to reshape funding models in higher education and promote inclusivity through strategic financial solutions.
Key Highlights from the Summit:
- Insightful Speeches: Unisa Enterprise CEO Lesetsa Matshekga opened the summit by stressing the urgent need for innovative income streams to ensure financial sustainability in higher education. He highlighted the challenges of rising student debt and the potential of leveraging technology, such as AI, to enhance educational experiences.
Distinguished Speakers: The summit included notable figures such as Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, and Mr. Sakhile Mlauzi, Deputy Chairperson of Unisa Council. They discussed the critical intersection of race, gender, and economic factors in accessing quality education.
- Panel Discussions: Expert panelists engaged in discussions about pathways to financial stability, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in addressing youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.
- Call to Action: Matshekga and Mlauzi called for collaboration among stakeholders to develop sustainable funding models and support systems for students. They encouraged attendees to explore scholarships, internships, and joint research initiatives to alleviate financial burdens.
The summit also reflected on the impact of the #FeesMustFall movement, examining how activism has influenced funding landscapes and student debt in South Africa.
Matshekga concluded, “Together, we can create synergies that benefit not only our institutions but society as a whole. This summit has laid the groundwork for meaningful collaborations that will redefine the future of higher education funding in our country.”
In his address, MEC Lebogang Maile emphasized the significance of the summit’s topic for South Africa and beyond. He highlighted the challenge universities face in balancing educational access with funding limitations while maintaining high academic standards, especially in a constrained economic environment. Maile stressed the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, and civil society, noting that the private sector benefits from government-funded education and should be involved in funding discussions.
He also discussed South Africa’s comparative advantages, such as its mineral wealth and ecological diversity, and argued that universities must address not only technical skills but also sociological factors and the historical context of colonialism and apartheid.
Head of Media Advisory at Unisa Enterprise, George Matlala, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the summit’s success. He acknowledged the leadership of UNISA, student representatives, distinguished guests, and sponsors, emphasizing the need for ongoing support of higher education.
Matlala concluded by urging continued commitment to funding initiatives for students and the university, stating that this summit marks the beginning of annual gatherings focused on higher education sustainability. He invited attendees to pledge support through the UNISA Enterprise website: https://www.unisaenterprise.ac.za/highereducation/
For more information, please contact:
Zylvah Makola
Email – zylvah.makola@unisaenterprise.ac.za
Mobile – 071 613 8252