Programme directors,
Prof MT Mogale, Executive Dean: College of Economic and Management Sciences,
Prof P Segalo, Chairperson of Unisa Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair,
Dr G James, Deputy Director of Community Engagement,
His Excellency Dr TM Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of South Africa,
Mr J Maboa, Chairperson of the University Council and other members of the University Council present,
Prof P LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa and other Members of the University Executive and Extended Management present, 
Our Minister, Dr BE Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, 
Mrs M Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Human Settlements,
Mr Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation,
Ms L Ntshalintshali, MEC: Social Development of Mpumalanga and other public representatives who may be present here today,
Your Excellencies: Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing various countries in South Africa,
Senior officials from various government departments and state agencies,
Senior Prince NS Mampuru, Senior Prince Bapedi ba Mamone and other traditional leaders present,
Ms AM Miller, United Nations Women Multi-Country Representative United Nations Women and other members of the United Nations and SAWID present,
Dignitaries from Provincial, and Local Governments,
Representatives from other universities in the Higher Education sector,
Business Communities, Ecclesiastical Communities, representatives from various Political Parties, and various Research Institutions present,
Members of the Unisa National Students Representative Council and other Unisa Student Structures,
Members and leaders of various political parties and organs of civil society,
Representatives from various media houses,
Representatives from various Unisa forums and organised Labour,
Retirees, alumni, and other members of the University community present,
Friends of the University of South Africa attending this occasion virtually,
Our esteemed artists present here today:
Ms Simphiwe Dana, Singer, and Songwriter,
Ms Ami Faku, Singer,
The 150-Year Birthday Celebration Choir,
Djembe Drummers, Creative Arts Performance,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning! 

We consider it a great honour to be able to participate in the celebration of this extraordinary achievement of UNISA reaching the milestone of 150 years.

On this day in 1873, the University of South Africa was established, marking the beginning of a journey that led us all here today. 

It is no coincidence that 82 years later, on the same day, the Freedom Charter was adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown, Soweto.

The Freedom Charter instructs us to ensure the free exchange of ideas, the encouragement of cultural expression, and free, compulsory, universal, and equal education for all children.

UNISA adhered to this instruction, and over time, it has transformed into an institution of higher education that is committed to quality and universal education, accessible to all Africans.

As we commemorate the 150th year of UNISA, the largest and oldest institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, we should reflect on how UNISA has contributed to shaping Africa's intellectual future by asking difficult questions about UNISA's future contribution to a better Africa and the World.

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