Page 24 - EC Highlights 2024

GQEBERHA REGIONAL OFFICE – SEMESTER 1 2025
The Gqeberha Regional office has been actively engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at supporting students, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening community partnerships. One of the activities was collaborating with the RSRC Sanitary Drive held at Phakamisa High School, where sanitary towels were distributed to female matric students alongside a presentation on mental wellness, highlighting the importance of emotional health during a critical matric academic period. In line with promoting inclusivity, the RSRC Pride event was hosted by the Office to discuss student mental wellness within the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a supportive space for open dialogue. The office also participated in the Ubuntu Pathways Career Exhibition to promote awareness of UNISA admission requirements and the range of services available, thereby helping to improve access and understanding of university processes and encouraging students to apply to the university. In collaboration with local partners, the office hosted the NextGen Youth Empowerment program, targeting unemployed youth and providing education them with information on entrepreneur skills, mental wellness, food gardening and recycling to promote sustainable practices and self-sufficiency.
In addition, the office partnered with the Ethics Department, which spearheaded an initiative to distribute toiletries to high school learners in KwaDwezi, demonstrating a holistic approach to learner welfare that goes beyond academics. The office has been involved in collaborating with PE TVET College in offering Unisa’s Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences to enhance academic opportunities and resource sharing, broadening access to quality education.
To support student academic success, the office facilitated a variety of training sessions and participated for the first time in micro-teaching assessing, this provides an opportunity of equipping students with essential skills to improve their performance. An evacuation drill was conducted to ensure that staff and students are well-prepared and familiar with emergency protocols, reinforcing campus safety. Additionally, the office was involved in library site visits to inspect their fit for purpose for collaboration purposes as per the signed MOU with Nelson Mandela Bay municipality Library Services department. Overall, the semester 1 of 2025 has been marked by meaningful engagement, strategic partnerships, and programs that support student well-being and community development. The Gqeberha regional office remains dedicated to advancing these efforts and providing comprehensive support to students and the wider community.