Events

Chancellor’s Calabash Awards dinner

The Unisa Awards are our way of recognizing extraordinary South Africans, particularly our alumni, who have made significant contributions to shaping humanity. This event also serves to highlight the university's work and inform decision-makers in the public sector, business, and civil society about Unisa's vital role in South Africa's and the continent’s social and economic development.

Awards Categories

The Chancellor’s Calabash Awards are presented in four categories:

1. The Outstanding Educator Award recognizes exceptional educators who have significantly advanced teaching and learning, skills development, or research within their area of expertise.

The recipient of the Educator does not need to be a graduate of Unisa. However, they must have made a significant contribution to society in the areas of primary/pre-primary, secondary, or tertiary education, as well as in research.

2. The Outstanding Alumnus Award honours an exceptional alumnus who has achieved excellence in their field and made a significant contribution to society.
   
   
3. The Unisa Robben Island Alumnus Award honors alumni from Robben Island who made significant sacrifices for the liberation of South Africa. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to being a university that provides opportunities for all.
   
   
4. The Public Service Award recognises South Africans who are making exceptional contributions within government structures.
   
   
5. Introduced in 2024, the Liberation Struggle Award recognises persons who demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, and dedication in the fight against oppression and injustice.

Chancellor's Dinner 2025 awardees:

Outstanding Alumna     Unisa Robben             Outstanding                  Outstanding                 Outstanding                 Liberation Struggle      Liberation Struggle                                       Island Alumnus           Educator                       Educator                      Educator                      Hero                            Heroine

Yvonne 'Chaka Chaka' Peter-Paul Ngwenya   Zenex Foundation        Dr Johan van Zyl         Prof Tebogo Moja         Sam Nujoma                Christine Qunta Mhinga                                                                                                                                                                            (Posthumously)