Page 15 - Research & Innovation Report 2020
P. 15

INTERNATIONALISATION




            Of course, the digital transformation of internationalisation   was important, as the provision of emotional support helped to
            is envisioned within the context of a university that bears the   alleviate feelings of alienation and isolation.
            responsibility of living up to and aligning its efforts to the distinct
            iconic ethos of Madiba. Nelson Mandela spent his life advocating   An article in the University’s news bulletin, titled ‘Whatever the
            for a just and equitable society within which an interconnectedness   Nationality, a Mother’s Care Knows no Borders’, paid tribute to
            of humanity embodied the advancement of rights, freedoms and   Natasha  September,  a  member  of  the  International  Office  staff
            dignity for all. With this in mind, Nelson Mandela University remains   responsible for postgraduate student support, who championed
            fully committed to being in service of society and to delivering   the distribution of food  parcels amongst  those students  badly
            life-changing  and  student-centric  educational  experiences  and   affected during lockdown. The article highlighted the feeling of
            opportunities.                                    warmth that they received from members of the University who
                                                              reached out to ensure that all Mandela students were treated with
            This commitment is embodied in the University’s introduction of   dignity and care.
            multiple pathways to learning and teaching, which enabled many
            international students to continue with their studies in their home   We continue to battle the impact of the COVID-19  pandemic.
            countries and for those who remained in South Africa to receive   We are, however, undeterred in our efforts to work collaboratively
            all the support they needed. For those international students who   with the rest of the world to discover new knowledge and
            remained in the country and were unable to travel due to financial   produce groundbreaking research that offers solutions to global
            circumstances or COVID restrictions, Mandela University assisted   challenges, responds to the  Sustainable Development Goals and
            in  a  variety  of  ways:  providing  food  parcels  to  alleviate  hunger,   channels efforts to connect with Africans on our continent and in
            extending  flexible  concessions  to  ease  the  financial  burden  of   the diaspora in order to deliver on the aspirations of the African
            studying  abroad,  facilitating  the  extension  of  their  medical  aid   Union’s Agenda 2063: ‘The Africa We Want’.
            coverage  and  obtaining  visa extension authorisation  from  the
            Department of Home Affairs. International Office staff ensured a   Beata Mtyingizana
            degree of human interaction and safe contact with students, which   Senior Director: International Office







                              “Nelson Mandela University remains

                             fully committed to being in service of
                            society and to delivering life-changing

                                  and student-centric educational

                                  experiences and opportunities.”






























            1     The notion of a COIL bridge emphasises the endless opportunities that can be harvested from several virtual platforms through which the internationalisation of higher education
            can be advanced including joint programme offerings, collaborative research, conferencing, exchanges and student mobility, amongst others.


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