University of South Africa renews and strengthens strategic agreement with Ghent University

UGent is known as a leading institution of higher education and research internationally, and one of the most prestigious universities in Belgium. An avowedly research-driven and socially minded university, UGent consistently rates among the top 100 universities in the world.

As a university that does not see borders or distance as obstacles hindering access to quality and globally recognised education, Unisa’s international footprint is one of the key points strongly emphasised by Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, at the recent Management Lekgotla.

Prof Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, described this event as a momentous milestone, also noting the history of Unisa and its 150th anniversary as a leader in comprehensive open and distance eLearning. “Unisa is a very unique university in the sense that this year we are celebrating our 150th anniversary, not only as an established institution, but a leader in distance education,” he said. “We have played a major role in the provision of higher education in South Africa. I hold in high esteem the partnership with UGent, and am confident in its fruitfulness towards innovation, collaboration and joint publications.”

UGent Vice-Rector, Prof Mieke van Herreweghe, articulated her delight in the signing of the agreement, expressing hope for future engagements in research and scholarships that will see the two institutions produce extraordinary academics.

Ndlovu signed on behalf of Unisa, while Van Herreweghe signed on behalf of UGent, surrounded by executive management members, heads of portfolios, and academics. Following the signing, the two institutions deliberated on the expansion of collaborations in other academic fields.