Ekurhuleni Campus students benefit from support outreach

The Unisa Gauteng Region, in collaboration with the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL), hosted a regional student support visit on 6 February 2026 at Unisa’s Ekurhuleni Campus. The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to bring essential student support services closer to students, particularly first-year candidates who often require guidance during their transition to higher education.

The regional visits were initiated by the Executive Director of the DTSFL, Professor Meahabo Magano, with the aim of ensuring that students receive integrated academic, administrative and psychosocial support at regional level. By bringing multiple departments under one roof, the initiative allows student challenges to be addressed and resolved on the spot.

The programme officially opened with welcoming remarks by the Regional Director, Dr Erin Naudé, who emphasised the importance of collaborative support in enhancing student success within an open distance e-learning environment.

College presentations were delivered by representatives from various Unisa colleges, providing students with programme-specific guidance and academic information. The session was complemented by discussions on regional teaching and learning matters, with input from the Library, Academic Literacies, Counselling Services, and other learning support units.

Students received integrated academic, administrative and psychosocial support

Further presentations were led by the Dean of Students and the Student Representative Council, highlighting student leadership, governance structures and available student support platforms. The DTSFL also unpacked its 2026 student support menu, which includes Student Retention and Utilisation (SRU), Academic Development and Open Virtual Help (ADOVH), Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Digital Learning Services (DLS), the Directorate for Curriculum and Digital Transformation (DCDT) and co-curricular activities.

Support departments were also present, ensuring that students could receive assistance with funding, registration, academic records, myUnisa, myLife, NSFAS-related queries, and counselling services.

The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to raise concerns and receive immediate feedback from relevant departments. Closing remarks were delivered by the Centre Manager, Pat Lethole, who encouraged students to make full use of the support services available to them.

The regional visit reaffirmed Unisa’s commitment to student-centred support and demonstrated the value of collaboration between the Gauteng Region and the DTSFL in promoting student success.

* By Election Hlawulani Mbekwa, Communication and Marketing Intern, Gauteng Region