By Kaya 959 Reporter
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has slammed reports disparaging the quality of its scholarship and research.
Unisa says the reports that emanated from a weekend publication were intentionally misleading, malicious, and inaccurate.
A Sunday Times report claimed the institution had become a “qualifications factory”.
Unisa says the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and other professional qualification authorities audit their qualifications.
“All Unisa’s qualifications are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Unisa is currently undergoing a qualifications audit (2021) as part of its ongoing effort to ensure compliance with the requirements of the CHE and other bodies, as well as ensure high-quality standards on its academic offerings,” a statement reads.
Unisa adds that all its qualifications undergo strict quality assessments and reviews by international knowledge and professional bodies.
Some of these bodies include the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
ALSO READ: AfriForum wins court battle to have Afrikaans used as a medium of teaching at Unisa
Unisa certificate collection
The institution adds that it also has one of the biggest research communities. Its research hubs include the Research, Postgraduate Studies, School of Graduate Studies, and Unisa School of Business Leadership (SBL).
Other research hubs include the Thabo Mbeki School and the Innovation and Commercialisation units.
“[Unisa] research activities contribute to the knowledge and information society, advance development and nurture a critical citizenry,” the statement continues.
Regarding the collection of certificates, Unisa says certificates are often given to students at graduation ceremonies and in their hands.
“This has meant that the certificates land in the right hands.”
The institution had to consider other options during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, during COVID-19, the university arranged courier services locally and internationally to deliver certificates to students,” Unisa says.
At least 60 000+ certificates require delivery to varied contexts. Unisa says given the scale of the operation, there have been challenges.
“To mitigate these risks, the university has changed its model and arranged for the collection of certificates at Unisa regional offices or centres across the provinces.”
