Limpopo Region
Orientation Manual 2014
Contents
1. Welcome ................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Our Service Commitment.......................................................................................................................... 3
3.The Limpopo Region .................................................................................................................................. 4
4. Applying, Registering and Studying with Unisa ........................................................................................ 7
4.1 Getting to Know Unisa ............................................................................................................................ 7
...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Choosing Unisa ........................................................................................................................................ 8
4.3 Joining the Unisa family .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.4 Studying with Unisa ............................................................................................................................ 11
4.4.1 Tutorial Services ......................................................................................................................... 11
4.4.2 Counseling .................................................................................................................................. 15
4.4.3 Library Services .......................................................................................................................... 15
4.4.4 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support ..................................................... 16
4.4.5 Assignments Administration ...................................................................................................... 18
4.4.6 Examinations .............................................................................................................................. 18
5. Mobile Services Units .............................................................................................................................. 19
6. General Remarks ..................................................................................................................................... 20
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1. Welcome
The Regional Director and the staff of Unisa in the Limpopo Region welcome you.
Unisa’s mandate is to develop human capital in South Africa and abroad by providing equitable
access to higher education for all people wherever they may be. Unisa’s regional offices are a
testimony to the university’s commitment to bringing higher education as close to the people as
possible.
2. Our Service Commitment
The Unisa Limpopo Region makes the following commitment to all our students:
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To create equitable learning opportunities by providing accessible and relevant services
To provide accurate information and prompt service every time , all the time
To be approachable, responsive and professional at all times
To be respectful of client confidentiality
The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the only dedicated Open Distance Learning (ODL)
University in South Africa. Through Open Distance Learning Unisa aims to:
 Remove possible barriers (geographical, time constraints, and funding) to access to
higher education
 Offer flexible learning: You study from home or wherever you are, at your own pace.
You will receive interactive study material comprising of study guides, CD’s and DVD’s.
You can apply, register, access library facilities and submit assignments online. Unisa
students do not have to attend classes and can study on their own, in their own time,
wherever they are
 Provide comprehensive support: Unisa supports you through:
 Interactive study material
 MyUnisa, an online student portal
 Tutorial support system
 Discussion classes
 Reading, writing, and numeracy support
 Automated sms and email messages
 Extensive library facilities
 Video conferencing
 Internet access for Unisa students at various Multi-Purpose Community
Centres throughout the country, for free!
 Professional, career, study and personal guidance & counselling
 Unisa Offices near you for all your enquiries
 Access to computer laboratories and basic computer training
For any enquiries and questions about Unisa visit: www.unisa.ac.za
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3.The Limpopo Region
There are three offices in the region: Polokwane (the hub), Giyani and Makhado
Location
Physical and
Postal Address
Polokwane Learning Centre
23 A Landdros
Mare Street
Polokwane
Services Offered
 Face-to-Face Tutorials,
 Video Conference
Tutorial Sessions
 Discussion Classes
 Work Integrated
Learning Placement
 Reading, Writing &
Quantitative Literacy
Workshops and
Consultations
 End User Computing
(EUP) practice sessions
 Access to internet
 Basic Computer Training
 Video Conferencing
services
 Services in MultiPurpose Community
Centres (MPCC’s)
 Library services: issuing,
renewing, requesting
and returning of library
materials
 Training on the use of
online information
resources
 Library Material Courier
services
 Inter library loans
Contact Details
Mr. Mpho Rakoma (Acting Head
Facilitation of Learning)
Tel: 015 290 3443
email: [email protected]
Mr Petrus Skosana
Tel: 015 290 3419;
email: [email protected]
Ms. Mercy Mokgele
Tel: 015 290 3431;
email: [email protected]
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Location
Physical and
Postal Address
Registration Centre
29 Landdros Mare
Street
Polokwane
Giyani
Office No 11
Masingita
Complex,
P.O. Box 4868,
Giyani, 0826
Services Offered
Contact Details
Administration Services
 Applying to study with
Unisa
 Self-help registrations
 Payment of accounts,
 Applying for financial
assistance
 Applying for Student
Cards
 All enquiries including
mobile services
 Assignments and exam
enquiries
Mr Jerry Malemela
Counselling Services
 Professional Counselling
Services
 Face to face Career
Counselling
 Face to Face & VC
Academic development
skills workshops (e.g.
study skills, exam prep
skills, time management
skills)
 Job search skills &
entrepreneurship skills
 Networking skills
 Personal counselling
 Website : Access our
website for self-help
resources
 General enquiries
 Applications and
self-help registrations
 Financial
Ms. MJ Lephondo
Tel: 015 290 3417
[email protected]
assistance
 Assignments and
exam enquiries
 Tutorial services and
discussion classes
 Video conferencing
Tel: 015 2903418
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Ms Lethabo Mbungi
Tel: 015 812 2005
Fax: 015 812 2405
email: [email protected]
or
[email protected]
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Physical and
Postal Address
Location
Makhado
87 Krogh Street
Standard Bank
Complex
P.O. Box 4367,
Makhado, 0920
Services Offered
 General enquiries
 Applications and
self-help registrations
 Financial
assistance
 Assignments and
exam enquiries
Contact Details
Ms Aluwani Muneri
Tel: 015 516 3334
Fax: 015 516 3414
email: [email protected]
 Tutorial services and
discussion classes
 Video conferencing
Accessing Polokwane Learning Centre (23 A Landdros Mare Street)
You need a student card to access the Learning Centre in Polokwane. A once off fee of R45 is
payable. Student cards are processed at the Registration Centre 29 Landdros Mare Street.
The card gives you access to:
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Library
Seminar Rooms
End User Computing Laboratory
Video Conferencing Room
Unisa campuses throughout the country
Place card here
Place card here
Operating Hours
Business hours
8H45 to 16H00 weekdays
Library hours
7H45 to 20H00 weekdays
8H00 to- 16H00 Saturdays
Closed on Public holidays
Campus opens
7H00 to 10H00 weekdays
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4. Applying, Registering and Studying with Unisa
The use of technology is increasingly becoming the main driver of Open Distance Learning. The
university communicates with students via email, sms messages, and through the web. It is
advisable to be familiar with these technologies, especially the web, in order to take full
advantage of the learning environment at Unisa.
4.1 Getting to Know Unisa
Each office has an Information Desk for
various enquiries including:
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Study programmes to register for;
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Exemptions, credit for courses passed
elsewhere;
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Calendars and Information brochures;
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Exam enquiries: Exam Time Tables, Exam Centres, and Supplementary Examinations
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Study material;
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Access cards / Student card
•
Centre for Business Management Short Courses
Contacts
Name
Telephone
email
Mr. MJ Malemela
015 290 3430
[email protected]
Ms. MJ Lephondo
015 290 3457
[email protected]
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4.2 Choosing Unisa
Once you have decided to study
with Unisa the next step is the
application process. You must apply
before you can register. There are
usually two application periods, one
for each semester.
NB: Unisa’s academic year is made up of two semesters - First semester starts in January and
second semester starts in June
Contacts
Service
Contact Person
Telephone
email
Admin & Student Funding
Mr MJ Malemela
015 2903430
[email protected]
[email protected]
Counselling & Guidance
Ms M Lephondo
015 290 3457
[email protected]
Click MyChoice for further information on the application process
4.3 Joining the Unisa family
Students can register
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In person at any Unisa office
Through the Self-Help facility at
any Unisa office
Online via the Unisa Website
Through postal registrations.
NB Online registration is the easiest and most convenient
Avoid Queues, Go Online!
Access to financial assistance and support
Financial services available at the regional office are:
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National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Bursary-Loans that are
administered by Unisa.
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Applications forms for funding are available online.
To qualify for NSFAS loans, students should be academically deserving and
financially needy.
o The student's financial needs are determined by the NSFAS Means Test.
o The test determines what amount the family is expected to contribute and the
amount granted by NSFAS.
Edu-Loan
 Provides affordable loans to students
 If not employed, a family member can stand as surety (father/ brother etc.)
 Different payment terms available (6 months / 10 months)
 Loans charged at current lending interest rates
Students can also approach banks for study loans or their employers for study assistance.
For Student Funding enquiries:
Ms. R. Maleasenya
015 290 3411
[email protected]
[email protected]
Payment Facilities & Options
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A cashier service is available to accept study fees
Payment is by Debit / credit cards only, no cash payments
Electronic payments can be done through the Internet
Direct deposits can be done into Unisa’s bank account at Standard Bank.
Contacts
Name
Ms. E Teffo
Telephone
015 2903416
email
[email protected]
[email protected]
Click myRegistration for further information on registrations
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4.4 Studying with Unisa
As soon as you register, your study
material becomes available
electronically. You can download the
material on to CD via Toasters at all
Unisa Offices, or through MyUnisa (a
special website for Unisa students). Click
MyUnisa to visit.
If you so wish, you can wait to receive study material via the post office. However, please note
that this may take time.
4.4.1 Tutorial Services
Unisa as an Open Distance Learning institution does not offer daily classes or lectures. There
are however special classes called “tutorial classes” to support students during their studies.
Please note:
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Tutorial classes are available for level 1, 2 modules.
The classes offered are only for high risk, i.e., those that are difficult to study alone and
are very challenging
Students do not have to pay for attending tutorials, but you have to complete an
enrolment form which is available at our offices. We are able to email this form to you
A class will start as soon as students are registered for a module selected on the flyer
Tutorial classes are conducted on Saturdays only from 8h30 to 15h00, and also during
the week as the need arises
Tutorial classes are available only for selected modules that are reflected on the
tutorial flyer available at the tutorial desk in the registration foyer or at tutorial classes
offices
We have four venues where tutorials are offered, and the venues are as follows:
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Unisa Polokwane offices
Noorderland High School in Polokwane
Kheto Nxumalo High School in Giyani
Vhembe FET College in Sibasa
Lephalale FET College in Lephalale
NOTE: Please note that tutorials are not the same as daily lectures that are run by
full-time conventional universities,
Who is your Tutor?
A tutor is a professionally and academically qualified person employed on a part-time basis by
UNISA.
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How can I participate in tutorials?
In order to participate in tutorials, students need to enroll for tutorials at the regional service
centers by way of completing an enrolment form. There are no fees required.
Types of Tutorials
Face to Face Tutorials: Mainstream
In a face – to – face tutorial, students and tutor(s) meet regularly at a common venue and on
scheduled dates and times. These tutorials are conducted for two hours per module fortnightly.
A face – to - face tutorial provides you with great opportunities to interact with your tutor(s) and
other students (peers) and get a better understanding of the challenging areas of your study
material.
A semester programme is usually available at noticeboards and the regional website for
students to know when and where these tutorials are taking place
Face to Face tutorials: Science foundation
These are tutorials designed for Science, Agriculture and Engineering students only. These
tutorials operate similarly to the mainstream tutorials above. The difference between the two is
that only those students identified through a list from Head office are the ones legible to attend
the Science foundation tutorials. Which means, Science student not identified will have to attend
the mainstream tutorials and not the Science foundation tutorials
Tutorials take place on a fortnightly basis and the duration of each tutorial is two hours per
session
Video Conferencing (VC):
Video conferencing is a two-way audio and video communication system that allows participants
at different remote locations to see each other, hear and talk to each other in real time. We
currently have Video Conference venues at the following centres:
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Unisa Polokwane offices
Giyani offices
E-tutoring
This is a Computer-based tutorial support where students are linked to a tutor and communicate
with the tutor through the internet medium. Marking of assignments is also provided through this
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means. Students who have the support of an e-tutor will receive an email from that tutor
notifying them about the procedures to be followed.
If you are linked to an e-tutor, you can still also attend face – to – face tutorials if they are
available in your area.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning refers to compulsory “practicals” that are linked to qualifications the
student is registered for. The student would not complete the qualification without undergoing
WIL, which is sometimes called, Experiential Learning. The qualifications requiring WIL are few
and this requirement is reflected in tutorial letter 101. Therefore, not all students are required to
undergo WIL.
The University has a network of employers or service providers who assist with the placement
of students for practical work purposes. Before a student is placed, the student has to acquire a
letter from the university indicating that he/she is a currently registered student and requires
placement. The letter is acquired from the division of Facilitation of Learning: Tutorial services.
Students are also required to attend some workshops on Job Search and Readiness before
their placements. The workshops are offered at the University by the Counseling division
Students should inform the University once they acquire some placement, because in most
cases, the onus lies with the student to acquire placement
Study Groups
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This is a system where students organise their own self-help groups.
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The work consists of a series of assignments carried out on a cooperative basis by the
groups, working as teams.
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Study groups choose a group leader to ensure that the groups are organised and
disciplined.
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Everyone in the group is asked, sooner or later, to be a group leader. This ensures that
each member develops leadership skills
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Study groups are usually followed by report backs, and the tutor could be consulted to
clarify difficult areas identified by each group
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Study groups can also be established on MyUnisa where the lecturer can access the
discussion and provide feedback online
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Discussion Classes
Discussion classes are offered by module lecturers on specific dates indicated in the
tutorial letter 101. Students may also be invited by the lecturer through sms messages.
Discussion class sessions are offered through:
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Face-to-face
Video conference
Academic Literacies
Free Academic Literacy (AcaLit) services are offered to students in Polokwane, Giyani &
Makhado Centres. AcaLit services are aimed at assisting students to improve their Reading,
Writing and Quantitative Literacy Skills.
Acalit services further assist students in overcoming academic challenges pertaining to effective
learning, and the application and articulation of material learned in an Open Distance Learning
(ODL) environment. The underlying principle is to access students, provide academic literacy
services to them, and thus assist them in the learning process.
Invitations to attend workshops are sent to students through SMS. Students can also access
information about workshops on the regional website, notice boards and posters. Students can
also individually consult AcaLit facilitators through appointment and by visiting the AcaLit office.
Free services include:
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Weekly Workshops
One-on-One Consultations
Electronic Consultations, using e-mails
Contacts
Name
Telephone
Mr M Rakoma
015 290 3443
[email protected]
Ms FM Kunene
015 290 3407
[email protected]
Mr JM Segooa
015 290 3417
[email protected]
Mr BS Mnguni
(AcaLit)
email
[email protected]
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4.4.2 Counseling
If you are having difficulties in your studies or in other areas of your life that affect your studies,
there is a Counseling Unit to give you professional help and guidance.
The services that are available for students include the following:
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Counselling and Guidance
Visit us in person, or contact us by telephone/e-mail
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Study skills workshops
Attend workshops to learn more about how to manage your studies at UNISA and how
to prepare for exams
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Website
Access our website for self-help resources for career management, employability, study
skills and life skills
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Careers Resources centre
Watch DVD’s about life skills and employability skills
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Career fairs and career workshops and seminars
Attend career-related workshops and on-campus recruitment days
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Peer helper training Programme
Train as a volunteer peer helper to develop your interpersonal skills and to enhance your
career development
Contacts
Name
Telephone
email
Ms. T Mulaudzi
015 290 3452
[email protected]
Ms MJ Lephondo
015 290 3457
[email protected]
4.4.3 Library Services
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The library provides access to prescribed and recommended books, reference sources,
audio-visual materials, and electronic databases.
Undergraduate students may borrow a maximum of 8 items, postgraduate a maximum of
16 items
Prescribed materials are available for short loan
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Training is offered in the use of online information resources. Training schedules are
available on the library website and regional notice boards. Booking should be done in
advance.
Students have access to computers with internet to search for information resources,
typing and sending assignments, etc. These computers can only be utilized for study
related purposes.
Students may access library resources at the following Partner institutions: Burgersfort
Public Library, Sekhukhune FET College (CS Barlow & CN Phatudi), Mapodile Public
Library.
Wi-Fi internet connection is available to students on Campus
Contacts
Name
Telephone
email
Ms. MMM Mokgele
015 290 3431
[email protected]
Ms C Lekganyane
015 290 3433/36/01
[email protected]
4.4.4 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support
ICT Support Unit offers the following services:
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Computer Laboratory Services
Video Conferencing (VC) services
Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC’s)/Telecentres
Computer Labs
The Limpopo Region has the following computer labs available for learners:
 Polokwane Microlab (Registration Building)
 Polokwane Work Lab (Unisa Learning Centre)
 Makhado Work Lab
The computer labs provide the following services:
 Access to the internet
 Access to myUnisa and myLife
 Computer Basic Training Course
 Dedicated Lab Assistance
The computer labs do not have printers but there is a fee-based Xerox printing
facility in the Polokwane Library.
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Video Conferencing (VC) services
Video conferencing is a two-way audio and video communication system that allows
participants at different remote locations to see each other, hear and talk to each other in
real time.
Video Conferencing offers the following services:
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Discussion Classes
Oral examinations
Portfolio presentations
Tutorial classes
Students workshops
Meetings including, staff assemblies, SRC elections etc.
Video Conference services are currently available at the following centres:
 Polokwane Centre
 Giyani Centre
 Makhado (to be installed soon)
Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCC’s)/Telecentres
UNISA has agreements with Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCC’s) throughout
the Region. The purpose of these agreements is to provide UNISA students with
access to internet/computer facilities, for academic purpose, free of charge.
For more information contact:
Name
Telephone
email
Mr. P Skosana
015 290 3431
[email protected]
Mr DB Harpestad
015 290 3449
[email protected]
Mr DB Sikhosana
015 290 3400
[email protected]
Mr J Madisha
015 290 3419
[email protected]
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The following services available at these centres:
Administrative services
 Access to MyUnisa
 Retrieve and print Exam timetable
 Retrieve and print student Academic
Record
 Retrieve and print exam results
 Retrieve and view student financial
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record
Change exam venues
Change student biographical
information
Tracking student study material
Creating study fees quotation
Academic services
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Submit assignment online
Receive assignment feedback
Retrieve, download and print study material
Online Discussion forums
Retrieve Lecturer and Tutor contact
information
Access online library
Access UNISA Face Book and Twitter
Access Mylife student email account
Internet research for academic material
Check prescribed books
Access and download previous exam
papers.
To view location of MPCC’s click here
4.4.5 Assignments Administration
The process of studying involves periodic submission of assignments to your lecturers for
assessment and feedback. Assignments are a key part of the learning process and it has been
established that students who submit their assignments tend to do well in the examinations.
Make sure to read and understand Tutorial Letter 101 where information on assignments, such
as due dates, can be found
•
The region provides assignment collection boxes at all Unisa offices
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Assignments can also be submitted on the mobile buses
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Please submit assignments on time, using the prescribed stationery
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Stick to assignment time-lines as stipulated in your tutorial letter
4.4.6 Examinations
 There are 28 examination centres in the region
• The examination venue is chosen during registration; please ensure that you have
chosen a venue nearest to you.
• Exam venue changes should be made a full month before examinations start
• Check your time-table and ensure you come to the exam venue at least fifteen minutes
before the starting time
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Contacts
Name
Mr A Harris
Telephone
015 290 3418
email
[email protected]
[email protected]
Click myStudies for further information on studying at Unisa
5. Mobile Services Units
In order to reach out to students outside the main offices, Unisa introduced two Mobile Services
Units: The Mobile Library and the General services unit. The mobile units have scheduled stops
at Examination Centres and Multi-Purpose Centres nearest to you. The schedules for the dates
and times that the mobile services will be in your area can be found at the following places:
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Notice Boards at Unisa Offices
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On the internet click this link: Unisa Online - Mobile Services
MyLife emails Sign In
Mobile services contact details:
Location
Contact
Phone
email
Polokwane
Mr. F Baloyi
015 290 3413
[email protected]
Ms MMM Mokgele
015 290 3431/33/36
[email protected]
Giyani
Ms L Mbungi
015 812 2005
[email protected]
Makhado
Ms AA Muneri
015 516 3334
[email protected]
The following services are provided on the mobile buses
General Services Mobile Unit
 Pre-registration Information
 Applications and Registrations
 Payments to Unisa
 Assignment Submission (MyUnisa and by
hand)
 MyUnisa and MyLife Training
 Access to the internet DVD Viewing
 ICT based counselling
Mobile Library
 Training
o Library catalogue
o Database
 Access to data base and online searches
 Issuing, renewing and returning of Library
material (e.g. books)
 Requesting library materials electronically
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6. General Remarks
For enquiries:
Service
Name
Telephone
email
Applications,
Registrations,
Assignments and
Examinations
Mr MJ Malemela
Tutorial Classes,
Discussion Classes,
PCL
Ms. F Kunene
015 290 3465
[email protected]
VC, ICT Services and
MPCC
Mr P Skosana
015 290 3419
[email protected]
Library
Ms C Lekganyane
015 290 3433
[email protected]
Counseling
Ms MJ Lephondo
015 290 3457
[email protected]
015 290 3418
[email protected]
[email protected]
Student’s Right to Complain
As a student of Unisa you have a right to complain about
any aspects of the university’s service delivery
Please utilise the following e-mail address for your
complaints and\or suggestions : [email protected]
You can find us at Unisa Online - Limpopo
Help us to help you toward your success
To give feedback contact Mr. G Dire: [email protected]
Or use this email:
[email protected]
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