The 20-hectare facility, recently acquired by the institution, is expected to serve as a hub for hands-on training, giving students direct exposure to real-world environments in sectors where practical experience is essential.
A Strategic Leap Beyond Distance Learning
Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula described the acquisition as a forward-looking investment aimed at strengthening job-ready skills and innovation. Announced during a press briefing on the university’s academic progress and improving global standing, the development reflects UNISA’s ambition to evolve beyond its long-standing distance-learning model.
According to LenkaBula, the airport will act as a “launchpad for future innovators,” enabling students to bridge the gap between theory and application in high-demand technical fields.
Expanding into High-Growth Sectors
The facility is set to support specialised programmes in aviation, drone technology, and advanced digital systems—areas increasingly seen as critical to Africa’s industrial and technological growth. By integrating these disciplines into a practical training environment, the university aims to better align its curriculum with evolving labour market needs.
This approach mirrors a broader global trend, where universities are placing greater emphasis on experiential learning to prepare graduates for complex, skill-intensive industries.
Unlocking Practical Opportunities for Students
Boitumelo Senokoane of the College of Human Sciences highlighted the value of the new facility in enhancing student outcomes. She noted that access to such infrastructure would allow learners to apply academic concepts in real-world settings while building competencies that are highly sought after in aviation and engineering fields.
Reinforcing a Global Academic Footprint
Founded in 1873, UNISA is one of the largest universities in the world, serving more than 400,000 students globally. The airport acquisition aligns with its growing research focus in areas such as digitalisation, biotechnology, renewable energy, and space science.
By investing in advanced training infrastructure, the university is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in Africa—strengthening its role not just as a distance-learning leader, but as a driver of practical, future-ready education.