Monash South Africa establishes links in Uganda

October 2004

As part of a series of visits into Africa to forge relationships and stimulate awareness of Monash and South Africa as a tertiary education destination, Monash South Africa hosted a cocktail function at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda Tuesday, 12 October 2004.

High profile guests at the function included Advocate Mohamed Cassimjee, Polictical Counsellor of the South African High Commission in Kampala, Ugandan Ministerial officials such as Elizabeth Gabona of the Ministry of Education, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and representatives from leading schools and corporate companies.

In his address, Cassimjee commented that: “While the fact that South Africa is a free and democratic country may be one of the most powerful attractions for international students to study there, other factors include its world class educational infrastructure, the fact that its research sector is by far the best in Africa and that English is the main medium of instruction. South Africa is also the technological powerhouse of the African continent.”

He added that: “South Africa offers international students the best of both worlds by combining the experience of living in Africa with the opportunity to obtain quality education at a fraction of the cost of going to the UK or the USA.”

The number of foreign students studying in South Africa has risen from 31 000 in 2000 to 47 000 (7% of all tertiary students). Four out of five foreign students are from other African countries.

Former South African Education Minister Kader Asmal once stated: “South Africa has become a major training ground for countries north of the Limpopo, thereby more than fulfilling its obligation in terms of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol.”

Cassimjee commended Monash for promoting South Africa as an academic option for Ugandans and noted that the Monash South Africa campus represents outstanding value for money. The teaching facilities and information technology are world class, while the rand-based fees are about a quarter of those paid by students doing the same courses outside the continent. This means that a truly international education can be obtained in Africa without imposing a high burden on families – and at the national level conserving valuable foreign exchange.

Cassamjee concluded that: “The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is dependent on promoting a new class of African intelligence and it is clear that only through providing quality tertiary education that the 21 st Century can be truly an African Century.”

When addressing the issue of globalisation in education, Professor John Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash South Africa said: “At Monash we believe that as economic globalisation continues apace in the next twenty years successful education institutions will be broad-based, responsive, culturally diverse and operating similtaneously at a national and global level.”

Monash is already heavily involved in international education attracting 16 000 students from over 100 countries. It has campuses and collaborative educational ventures on three continents. This emphasis on internationalisation has increased Monash’s global profile and recognition and enhanced the standing of Monash graduates worldwide.

In line with Monash’s desire to expose students to international thinking and experiences, Monash South Africa offers an international student exchange programme whereby students, who have successfully completed their first year, can apply to do up to two semesters at another Monash campus (while still paying the South African fee).

Monash South Africa aims to produce students who are equipped to operate successfully in the global environment. It offers all its students free internet access to the global online Monash library. This facility can also be used to access online lectures and lecture notes and provides students access to the biggest online collection of scholarly journals in the southern Hemisphere.

“Monash is keen to forge links with other fine African institutions, such as Uganda’s Makerere University, whereby we can form co-operative relationships and partnerships leading towards student and staff exchanges into the future,” said Professor Anderson.

He added that: “Monash University has a long-term commitment to Africa. We aim to play a role in helping the region meet its diverse social, economic and educational needs. Monash students are encouraged to use the skills they acquire to contribute to the communities in which they live.”