Exploring the development of Newcastle’s new university and discussing with Unisa the range of tertiary education opportunities it will provide, it seems that a transformative phase for the town’s educational landscape is almost complete. This milestone heralds the start of a new era, introducing advanced opportunities while driving the town to city status.
Situated at the intersection of Hospital Street and Link Road, the upcoming Unisa facility is poised to set a new standard for higher education.
Speaking with Newcastillia News, Unisa’s Media Affairs team emphasised, “Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) institution. As a comprehensive university, Unisa offers both vocational and academic programmes, many of which have received international accreditation. The Newcastle Regional Services Centre will be no different from the rest of the university in terms of its core mandate, vision, and mission.”
The benefits of this facility are set to be far-reaching. The Unisa’s Media Affairs team explained that the new centre would serve the greater Northern KwaZulu-Natal area, including the Amajuba District and surrounding regions. It’s expected to dramatically improve service delivery to stakeholders, particularly by enabling previously disadvantaged communities to access quality education. The centre also aims to align regional service and infrastructure development, enhance partnerships with key stakeholders, and reinforce Unisa’s commitment to shaping futures in service of humanity.
Urging the community to embrace this incredible opportunity, Unisa’s Media Affairs said, “The university encourages the community of the greater Northern KwaZulu-Natal in the Amajuba District and surrounding areas to positively make use of this rare opportunity of having this facility in their town, and we request that they must ensure that it benefits the current students and those learners who are still at high school.”
As reported by Newcastillian News in May 2024, during his roadshow for the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube announced that the Newcastle Municipality had agreed with Unisa to establish a facility in Newcastle.
Additionally, at the time, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit explained the renovations on the building would be done in two phases, with the cost for Phase 1 coming in at R2,570,000, and Phase 2 projected to cost R3,693,659.53. The first phase of the necessary renovations had already begun at the time.
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Examining the current physical progress made at the facility, Newcastle Municipality’s Executive Council member, Faizel Cassim, noted that the work on the premises is proceeding according to plan. This means the necessary construction work is now at the point where developers are able to bring the project to fruition within the necessary timeframe. The project is set to be completed by January 2025.
Furthermore, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit noted that the second phase of the project is underway.
Phase 2 of the project is as follows:
- Construction of a new ramp
- Electrification of the building
- Construction of the new ablution block
- Floor covering
- Removal of old aircons
- Painting of the building
Additionally, Cllr Cassim expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, stating, “We will hopefully see further building taking place towards the end of the year, while the infrastructure of roads and lighting in the area has been dealt with.”
With the work proceeding on schedule, Cllr Cassim highlighted that the establishment of the university is set to bring immense relief to local learners pursuing tertiary education, as well as their families, in terms of the financial implications of attending a tertiary educational institution. “There will be fewer costs for transport and accommodation that families will worry about. Also, Newcastle will be able to produce skilled learners locally,” explained Cllr Cassim.
The Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit highlighted the broader economic benefits of the project, “This project will catalyse the developmental agenda that will unlock key sectors of the town’s economy and provide much needed jobs for the unemployed leading to a sizeable growth within the GDP.”
Furthermore, the Communications Unit highlighted that the benefits did not end there.
The facility is expected not only to boost revenue, but the Communications Unit also mentioned that one of Newcastle Municipality’s goals is to achieve city status for Newcastle by 2035. “However, one of the many prerequisites that the Newcastle Municipality requires for its ranking as a city is a Multi-Campus University. Therefore, establishment of a Unisa campus forms part of a forward steppingstone towards the Municipality’s goal of being classified as a city in line with the 2035 programme.”
Lastly, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit stated that the government entity’s focused efforts towards achieving city status for Newcastle are clearly evident. “And it is on this strength that the town has taken the new approach to make know its future plans with a view to market and sell the vision to potential investors. However, the municipality is cognitive of the fact that it cannot build and transform the town to the Metropolitan area without the strategic partnerships and support from the stakeholders. In this context that we view Unisa as our partner and essential stakeholder in this developmental agenda,” concluded the Communications Unit.
With the final touches on the facility now underway, what are your thoughts on this development? Share your views in the comment section below.
