Reality, Rhetoric, Vision and Envisioning: A Challenge to Unisa Alumni

1. Reality, Rhetoric, Vision and Envisioning: A Challenge to Unisa Alumni By: Prof. RC Bodibe Vice-Principal: Student & Alumni Affairs UNISA

2. INTRODUCTION Alumni form a vital cog in the machinery of any University worth its salt. For this reason, Unisa remains firmly committed to the establishment of a lifelong relationship and partnership with its alumni. In order to form this relationship, Unisa will be engaged in a number of initiatives, to ensure that its former students (both its alumni and convocation) have a voice in crafting “ties that bind, not bonds that will tether” with its alumni and convocation.

3. INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS Post the merger of the old Unisa, erstwhile Technikon Southern Africa (TSA) and Vista University (VUDEC), the new Unisa moved in the following direction: Vision Towards the African University in the service of humanity (PRO GENTIBUS SAPIENTIA: Knowledge in the service of humanity).

4. INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS Values Values germane to the vision are integrity, social justice and fairness, and excellence. Mission Unisa’s mission encapsulates comprehensiveness, open learning and distance education, lifelong learning, barrier free learning, high quality among staff and meeting the needs of a globally competitive society.

5. INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS Against the backdrop of all the foregoing, Unisa re-branded itself, and a new logo was unveiled on 31 March 2005, where all the strands are brought together, like well weaved strands of an exquisitely beautiful tapestry. Ten strategic objectives were formulated, but the one most relevant to the Alumni is the following; 6.6 “Create a nurturing environment to promote student well-being, to foster a sense of belonging to Unisa, and to mobilise alumni in the service of the University.”

6. INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS We are not here [to quote a Shakespearian character (Mark Anthony in Julius Caesare to be exact)]. “To stir you to mutiny and rage”. We are here to say, let us take hands, let us partner one another (alma mater,and alumni) to enable Unisa scale greater heights than heretofore achieved! Be it in: • Throughput • 3rd Income Stream • Research output • Learner Support provisioning • Financial viability and sustainability • Service Excellence

7. INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS • Customer care • Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) • Quality Assurance • Programme mix and their relevance to what the “flat world needs”. • Supporting government initiatives in the alleviation of poverty, and stemming the tide of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

8. OPERATION PLAN 2006 To give effect to the ten strategic objectives, and the 2015 Strategic Plan (An agenda for transformation) intense and intensive planning workshops were conducted. Culminating in the operational plan for 2006 endorsed and approved by Council (subject to minor modifications) on 10 -11 March 2006. At the heart of the operational plan will be; • Customer care and customer focus (Baithuti-pele Students first). • Compulsory acquisition of ICT skills and use of ICT by all staff and students. • A relevant programme qualification mix.

9. OPERATION PLAN 2006 All Unisa’s efforts will be for nought, if alumni do not assist us move in this noble trajectory we have set ourselves. Also important is focus on human capital development. WHERE YOU COME IN AS ALUMNI AND CONVOCATION There are two “fs” I would like to draw your attention to; the key matter is for you to be friends of the University. With the first “f” of friend handled, we would like you to assist Unisa with the second “f” funds and fundraising.

10. OPERATION PLAN 2006 Unisa has recently constituted a Foundation, chaired by Bill Gundelfinger, a prominent lawyer in Johannesburg, and co-chaired by Millard Arnold (A US born Human Rights Activist). You as alumni are exhorted to join hands with the Unisa Foundation, to ensure that Unisa remains financially healthy.

11. OPERATION PLAN 2006 SOME POSITIVE TRENDS TO SHARE WITH YOU In 2004 and 2005 Unisa undertook forages into a number of areas, and established Chapters, with convenors and co-convenors at the helm in the following areas;

12. OPERATION PLAN 2006 Efforts this year will target; • Kimberley • Namibia (Windhoek) • Lesotho (Maseru) • Botswana (Gaborone) • Swaziland (Mbabane) • Mauritius • USA (Washington DC or New York) • Zimbabwe (Harare)

13. OPERATION PLAN 2006 Lessons from convenors and setting up regional chapters In building relationships, the process should not be uni-directional but reciprocal. Alumni need “to get return of Investment” of their talent, time and treasure in the form of: • Lifelong learning opportunities at Unisa • Networking among yourselves • Acquisition of the convocation ring • Purchase of Unisa memorabilia • Interactive website • Unisa publications (e.g. Unisa Link) • Meetings with fellow Alumni

14. OPERATION PLAN 2006 • Silver, Gold or Platinum Alumni status • Chancellor’s Dinner • Special rates as special users of the Library • Tax refunds for certain donations • Use of Unisa access cards • Lifelong membership number • Member of a Chancellor’s club • Joint trips and tour groups (economies of scale) • Reunions (e.g. class of 1970)

15. OPERATION PLAN 2006 • College specific reunions (e.g. Lawyers, Chartered Accountants) • Honouring illustrious alumni • Information sharing session (e.g. A breakfast address by Scenario Planning Guru, Clem Sunter). • Belonging to Regional Alumni • Exchanging databases • Accessing databases (e.g. Alumni in the Banking Sector) • Interacting with communities.

16. OPERATION PLAN 2006 CHALLENGES • Word of mouth marketing for Unisa (As Herbalife enthusiasts would say: • Wear the button • Use the product • Tell the others • To interact with Colleges Academic Deans • To wear the convocation ring • To support young aspiring Unisa alumni • To understand the business of Unisa, and being Unisa’s ambassadors.

17. CONCLUSION There is a new Zeitgeist among Unisa Alumni we have thus for interacted with. Winds of change and transformation are blowing. May I implore you, to be part of that spirit of the time. If we do the things we have suggested, and more that will come from you, we can expect future generations to honour: postera crescam laude. Honoured by prosperity for a job well done!