Partnership bridges the gap for Unisa students with 24/7 support

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has collaborated with Vodacom Business to launch the Anani call centre in Sunninghill. The start-up is designed to enhance distance learning through specialised call centre services for UNISA’s students and staff.

According to Sibusiso Mthembu, acting director of supply chain at Unisa, the collaboration is particularly significant due to the university’s global student base.

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“With our students dispersed across the world, this partnership bridges the distance by providing a convenient and accessible platform for them to enhance their learning experience. When our students have queries, they know exactly who to call.” He said the call centre can then take the information provided by the student and pass it on to relevant departments, so that they can respond to the student with the information they require.

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“Anani would be providing services to any specific issue the students face,” Mthembu continued. “From applications, registrations, assignments, where to get your certificate, and so on. Remember in a contact university there is an admin office, so students know where to get this information, but Unisa does not have that luxury. So, for this call centre, we would be able to bridge that gap.”

The launch of the Anani call centre has yielded significant employment opportunities with approximately 18 agents being hired to support the initiative.

The majority of these agents are women which made this collaboration a fitting tribute to Women’s Month.

Collen Sibatane, a senior account manager from Vodacom, said they were pleased with this hiring decision because it underscores the partnership’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity by providing a platform for women to excel in the workforce, contributing to a more equitable and representative environment.

“The intention is to make sure that, in whatever business we do, we empower the unemployed youth. So, in forming this contact centre Anani managed to employ 18 young people. It is a good number for a business that has just started, and they aim to do even more. Anani operates for 24 hours, so students can call at any time and their queries would be attended to.”

Thandiwe Sibiya, who is one of the agents from Anani, said this partnership has changed her life. She said, as a recent graduate, she did not have to worry about employment because of Anani.

“I am one of the people who took the first call. I have learnt so much throughout this experience. I look forward to growing with the centre and being at the top, even though it does not really align with what I studied which is a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting degree. I also look forward to this call for growth because we are a very small team, but they say dynamite comes in small packages.”

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