UNISA Signs Language Pact with Russian Universities to Globalise isiZulu

HENDRICK TSHWEU|March 6, 2025

SIGNED AND SEALED: The University of South Africa (UNISA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Russian universities to promote language exchange programmes. Here are Unisa academics with the Russian delegation during the MoU signing. Seated, from left: Prof Solomon Magano, Acting Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Ekaterina Sechenova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, UTMN, and Pavel Sapozhnikov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Russian Language, RUDN. Standing, from left: Prof Thinandavha Mashao, Deputy Executive Director: CHS, Mokgadi Rabothata, Director: Global Engagements, DHET, Prof Natalia Dzida, Head: Preparatory Department, UTMN, Prof Yulia Biryukova, Associate Professor in the Department of Russian Language, and head of Digital Innovations in Philosophy, RUDN, and Margarita Shumeikina, Department of State Policy in Higher Education: Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. (Photo: UNISA)

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Russian universities to promote language exchange programmes.

The partnership, formalised on 04 March 2025, with Tyumen State University (UTMN) and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) will see isiZulu taught at the Russian institutions, while UNISA’s College of Human Sciences (CHS) will offer Russian language courses, the university said.

The agreement was witnessed by South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science, and embassy representative.

According to UNISA spokesperson, Professor Tumi BB Senokoane, Tyumen State University, a research-intensive institution in Russia’s Ural region, and RUDN, a globally connected university named after the iconic Congolese liberation leader, aim to expand academic and cultural collaboration.

He said the partnership will initially focus on language exchange but plans to incorporate student mobility programmes, joint research, and shared teaching methodologies.

Professor Solomon Magano, UNISA’s Acting Vice-Principal for Institutional Development, emphasised that “Language embodies who we are. It carries our lived experiences and expresses our intentions as humans. Therefore, this tripartite collaboration engenders this idea of language exchange.”

The move, which is expected to bolster cultural diplomacy among BRICS nations, comes amid broader efforts by South Africa to deepen relations within the BRICS bloc.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi recently unveiled plans to introduce Mandarin in public schools. This aligns with broader national strategies to prepare learners for global opportunities and enhance diplomatic engagement with China, a key BRICS partner.

Observers said these initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy among BRICS nations, leveraging education to build bridges between the Global South and emerging economies.

NEW PARTNERSHIP: Prof Solomon Magano, Acting Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Ekaterina Sechenova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, UTMN, and Pavel Sapozhnikov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Russian Language, RUDN, during the partnership signing ceremony. (Photo: UNISA)

Elena Tumakova, Director of Russia’s Department of State Policy in Higher Education, hailed the UNISA-Russia MoU as a major task to enhance bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Mokgadi Rabothata of DHET underscored the importance of preserving languages.

“For us as DHET, preservation of languages signifies a great step in the right direction towards broadening cultural perspectives far beyond African territories.” said Rabothata.

The collaboration transcends academia, fostering grassroots cultural appreciation. By enabling student exchanges and joint research, the partnership aims to cultivate global competencies while deepening intergovernmental relations within BRICS – a bloc increasingly prioritising soft power and people-to-people ties.

Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, UNISA’s Vice-Principal for Research, urged immediate implementation. Working groups are already planning academic exchanges and curriculum integration. The universities will soon deploy language practitioners to initiate teaching programmes.