Pretoria, South Africa — The University of South Africa (UNISA) has announced a landmark acquisition, securing an airport facility that is set to revolutionize aviation education on the African continent. This unprecedented move, which marks a first for a South African university, was revealed at a media briefing held at UNISA’s Muckleneuk Campus.
During the briefing, Vice — Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula outlined the university’s achievements over the past five years, including its resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial pressures. The airport acquisition, located on the outskirts of Pretoria East in Tshwane, was unveiled as a significant step forward for UNISA’s commitment to practical education in the aviation and engineering sectors.
Professor Boitumelo Senokoane, a representative of UNISA, emphasized that the new airport will provide students with invaluable hands — on experience, enabling them to develop skills that are in high demand within the aviation and engineering industries. The facility is expected to officially launch between April and May 2026.
UNISA’s journey to this milestone is a testament to its evolution over 150 years. From its inception as an examining university within the British Empire to becoming a fully independent, teaching institution that pioneered correspondence education and championed inclusivity during the apartheid era, UNISA has grown to become one of the largest universities globally by student headcount.
Under Vice — Chancellor LenkaBula’s leadership, UNISA has embraced a comprehensive open distance e-learning model, expanding digital delivery and identifying niche areas for applied innovation. The airport acquisition represents a significant shift in UNISA’s approach to education, moving from a traditionally infrastructure-light model to a more hands-on, practical training environment.
This strategic move is also aligned with the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aviation industry. With the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) acknowledging the nascent state of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training in the country, UNISA’s airport aims to serve as an open-access training ground, potentially lowering barriers for young people in developing countries.
As UNISA prepares to launch this innovative educational facility, the university is poised to democratize access to aviation careers and contribute to the development of the aviation industry in Africa.
Source: panafricanpost
