We at Unisa are at the cutting edge of the new order . Prof Melck received a standing ovation from the capacity audience at the Old Mutual Hall before spelling out his plan for the repositioning of the university. Using selected programmes and schools as the basis for managing the academic processes at Unisa and addressing national educational needs. This is in line with the National Qualifications Framework, which requires educational offerings to be presented as programmes. Employment Equity will be attained through an aggressive programme of recruitment, training and development of previously disadvantaged individuals.
Institutional growth is needed to ensure financial viability and sustainability.
The stature of Unisa as a university will be enhanced by encouraging excellence in teaching, scholarship and research for the benefit of society. In addition to teaching and research, community service forms the third branch of a university's core business, said Prof Melck. Community service projects will put the expertise of the University at the disposal of the broader society with which the University interacts. The process of transformation will be underpinned on the one hand by effective communication to ensure stakeholder participation and on the other by marketing strategies. All available resources will be channelled and allocated to bring the strategies outlined above to fruition.