UNISA dropped a good honours student on her head- UNHEARD

Good day. I have studied with UNISA (University of South Africa) for years, this year is going on to be my 7th year

I'd like to complete my honours degree that I have worked to the bone for. My hope is to either further complete Masters (and/PHD) in sociopedagogics or look in to assisting children or adults through a speech therapy course/degree.

During my study period, I have been serving in an NGO and Foundation Phase school in the heart of Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town -to help empower. My studies have also provided a positive input to the atmosphere of the school thus far. My current salary can not cover the degree. Hence, my need for a bursary.

My undergraduate degree was paid, yet I requested UNISA for a bursary for honours.

I was informed by Mr Siya Jebe that I received a full bursary for the honours degree. Not once was it mentioned that I should re-apply for the second year.

My first year (2017) modules and the experience was smooth. I wrote my exams (I received a distinction for one of two modules).

Early February this year, I went to the Parrow, Cape Town campus to double check regarding the bursary for this year, yet the main staff were either too busy or in a meeting. I asked two different 'info' team if I needed to re-apply, they both said "its not necessary, as if you app**** for the whole degree and plan to complete it, Unisa will not drop you half way."

Well, that's exactly my experience... I was dropped. In fact, I was not properly communicated to about the requirements, from the word 'go.'

In my ignorance or trust, I app**** and paid the deposit and for the text books for 2018 modules and began my study journey. Later in the year, I still wasn't sure about the bursary situation, so I returned to the Cape Town campus. I spoke to another consultant, as Mr Jebe was in a meeting. This poor fellow had absolutely no idea of navigating a way to assist me, no knowledge on the topic (even though he was then, apparently recently appointed to stand in Mr Jebe's position). I asked for an appointment with Mr Jebe, I was told I should just come in and try again, as appointments may not work. This was shocking- I drove 40 mins from my work space which I had booked leave to head to UNISA a bit earlier in the day.

I was unhappy with my experience, so I emailed Mr Jebe immediately (06/06/2018), to which I received a very vague and flippant response revealing no real empathy. Yet I previously trusted him to be my financial bursary (detailed) advisor.

I immediately after, emailed the Dean of UNISA, Mrs Mckay and Secretary on 07/06/2018. They both were incredibly helpful in providing contact details to resolve the matter , yet could directly assist me (I understood).

I tried calling ALL the provided numbers a few times before emailing (which I know can be slow, with this company). NO ONE ANSWERED, NOT EVEN ONE.

It was suggested to first chat to the head of the department, Mr Shabangu. He then passed me on to Mr Vincent Moloi, who took very long to respond. He eventually responded by attaching a document to re-apply,as it seemed as though he was empathetic (09/07/18). Yet, it took me to bug Mr Jebe a few times to ask Mr Moloi (it so happened to be that they were at a conference or meeting sitting next to each other, in JHB- he quoted). I sent my documents in a rush. He said he would email a confirmation or response in the following week. Till this day, still no response to my following emails to request feedback.

Since then, I have been passed on to about roughly 5 different people. I was tired of having months of experiences of false hope.

I had had enough of the goose chase. I emailed Mrs Mckay's secretary, Mrs Susan Mudron, who was incredible and suggested the UNISA OMBUDSMAN .

I was overjoyed. I emailed on the 13/08/18, I received an automated response. I thought I'd wait a bit. No real follow up, so I called the secretary and explained on the 23/08/18. She listen beautifully and cc the OMBUDSMAN and others (seemingly for the first time).

However, to date, It is basically a month and I have no communication from the OMBUDSMAN.

I hope to still write my final exams and qualify with Honours.

I have a debt of R14520, which I do not, and did not have the funds for. Hence the reason for applying for the bursary.

This has been a horrible experience. I have all the emails as proof and am happy to provide more information.

PLEASE HELP ME FIND A WAY THROUGH THIS!