The official opening of the Academic year 2008

Abstract

I believe that I can say without any fear of contradiction that the official opening of Unisa’s Academic year has become an event occasioned by high expectations, excitement and hope for an academic year of fulfilment and academic excellence. This event has come to generate a sense of excitement - a “buzz” - that speaks not only to the normal enthusiasm that marks new beginnings, but also, I am increasingly beginning to sense, to an enthusiasm about the exciting developments which lie ahead, and the role that each of us will be playing as we forge a new identity for our beloved Unisa. And in that spirit of excellence and the forging of a new identity, you will have noticed our magnificent new mace, highly symbolic in its ebony and ivory composition, and designed as a symbol of office and authority for use in Unisa’s official ceremonies such as our assembly this morning, graduation ceremonies, and at the installation of the Chancellor and inauguration of the Vice Chancellor. The unveiling and blessing of the mace brings to fruition a branding exercise that began in 2005 for the newly merged, dedicated, comprehensive distance education institution. It gives character and identity to the new Brand Unisa which builds on years of service to higher education by all our merging institutions.