Unisa Response on Grade R Diploma Online Petition

The University of South Africa (UNISA) issued a response on 7 April 2022 regarding an online petition from its students directed at the Diploma in Grade R Teaching qualification.

The UNISA Grade R Diploma online petition came about when registered students received correspondence from the university, stating that students would be deregistered from their programme by 5 April 2022 unless proof of employment is submitted to the university.

Naturally this decision angered students as it was not a previously-mentioned requirement before registration of the course, with students stating that this newly-placed condition would be in direct contravention of a national policy gazetted by the DHET, in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act.

Lerato Pheko, the creator of the online petition with over 7000 gained signatures to date, posed a number of questions on why the university has made changes to its admission requirements when students were already accepted, registered, and studying their course.

“Some of us had saved up money in order to pay for this course, or received bursaries from NSFAS. We have quit our jobs and rejected offers in order to dedicate our time to this course and now we are told that we will not be able to continue. What does UNISA expect us to do at this time of the year because most institutions are closed – even UNISA itself is closed? What does this mean for NSFAS bursary holders? Will we lose a year of funded studies to this?”

Lerato Pheko

Unisa has responded by saying that they are aware of the petition from its students and in turn, issued a notice in detail about what the course is about, including in detail:

  • Its various admission requirements
  • How long the qualification lasts for and when the last intake of students for the qualification is
  • What opportunities are available for students who did not submit proof of employment.

Read the university’s full response in detail here.

The university has as such activated its internal processes to address this ongoing matter, with the outcome of the internal process will be communicated to affected students at a later date.

Also Read: Unisa Jan/Feb Exam Results Update 2022

Published: 07 April 2022

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