GODFREY MADIBANE
Following the celebration of the roof-wetting of the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities, the Department of Higher Education and Training, together with members from the National Treasury, recently visited the set-to-be world-class facilities, currently under construction at the Unisa Sunnyside Campus.
The oversight visit was crucial in ensuring that the project progressed smoothly and that the final product would meet the high standards set by the department and the university. The department officials were particularly impressed by the innovative design of the centre and the commitment of the Unisa construction team to building a first-of-its-kind environment for students with disabilities.
The department’s involvement in this project is essential for its success. By providing oversight and guidance, the department can help ensure that the centre is built to the highest standards and meets the needs of the students it is intended to serve. The department's support and visits communicate a positive message to the broader community that the government is committed to and vested in providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Once completed, the centre will be a valuable resource for students with disabilities at Unisa and the surrounding community. It will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment and support services, helping students to reach their full potential. The centre will also symbolise the university's commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Matsiababa Motebele, Vice-Principal of Facilities and Operations at Unisa, was pleased with department’s regular oversight visit of the project, emphasising that regular checks ensure that the project remains on track and aligns with the department's standards. "The department carries regular visits to the project site to ensure that the funds they administer towards this project go to the right place. We also have the National Treasury, which is here to ensure that progress is aligned with the envisaged dates," he added.
Matsiababa emphasised that the centre will focus on disabilities research: "This research will focus on, for instance, autism, audio-visual, brain function, and much more. We recently celebrated the roof-wetting of the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities and will now conduct oversight on other buildings in the area."
Donald Kubai from department, specifically the Department of Grants Administration, stated that he and his team walked around the facilities to assess the project's progress.
He added: "We are delighted with the progress results so far. Our next visit will be to see the complete project during the official launch in preparation for next year's academic year." Furthermore, he congratulated the university for constructing a unique centre: "This will be the first-of-its-kind centre in Africa to offer teaching, learning research and training for students with disabilities. We therefore commend Unisa for this prestigious milestone."