Unfulfilled Promise: Unisa Graduate Awaits Labour Law Certificate, Career Stymied

When Prince Buthelezi enrolled in an advanced labour law course at the University of South Africa (Unisa), he envisioned a bright future, bolstered by his enhanced qualifications. But two years post-completion, the course has become a source of endless frustration rather than career advancement. Despite successfully passing the course in December 2021 and expecting to receive his certificate early in 2022, Buthelezi, an HR officer, still awaits this crucial document.

Buthelezi's predicament is not just a personal tragedy but reflects a wider issue within academic administration at Unisa. The delay in issuing certificates impedes graduates' career progression and tarnishes the institution's reputation.

The advanced labour law certificate was to complement Buthelezi’s HR diploma, giving him the edge in competitive job markets and representation in labour courts. For Buthelezi, and many like him, higher qualification equates to better employment opportunities. Unfortunately, his investment of approximately R11,000 and his efforts have yet to yield the expected returns.

Throughout 2022, Buthelezi contacted Unisa repeatedly. He sent several emails, each met with promises of escalation but no actual resolution. The lack of response, particularly after assurances from administrative officer Jerry Skhosana and Magdeline Mfolo, contributes to the distress experienced by students facing similar administrative shortcomings.

The cost of Unisa's administrative inefficiency is substantial for individuals like Buthelezi. In July 2022, he missed a significant job opportunity as a senior HR officer within his current organization – a role he believes he could have secured with the added credentials from the certificate.

Unisa's delayed response to inquiry does little to assuage the concerns of students or the public, as the reasons behind these continued delays remain veiled in obscurity. While the recent response from Unisa's spokesperson, Tommy Huma, offers an apology and a promise to resolve the issue within the week, it is to be seen if the institution will uphold this commitment.

The situation faced by Prince Buthelezi is emblematic of a systemic issue within academic bureaucracy, where administrative inefficiencies obstruct the very purpose of higher education – to empower individuals and advance their professional prospects. It raises questions about the accountability of academic institutions and the mechanisms in place to protect students' investments in their education and future.