JBIMS plays host to delegation from the University of South Africa (UNISA)

A delegation of students and staff from the Univeristy of South Africa (UNISA), visited University of Mumbai (MoU) as part of MUNIJAN ((Mumbai University New Initiative for Joint Action Now). The delegation was hosted from 3rdto 8th February, 2012.

The current delegation consisted of 3 senior staff members and 13 students, from various fields of study. “I am delighted to reunite with my Indian friends” said Ms Siza Magubane, Director, International Relations and Partnerships. It was her second visit to MoU under this programme.

Vice Chancellor, MoU, Dr. Rajan M. Welukarconveyed that the visit is in continuation of the initiative which started in 2011. He said, “While the Indian delegate visits UNISA in the month of October,the month of Gandhiji’s birth, the South African delegate visits Mumbai at around 30st January, The Martyr’s Day, the Mahatma’s death anniversary”.

Students from JBIMS actively volunteered to accompany the delegation during their stay in the country and guided their tour across the city.“This is a novel initiative to bind the two universities in a common cultural and academic thread. The visit is a part of MUNIJAN, which strives at social development through community participation by the students”, Dr. Kavita Laghate, Director, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies said.She mentioned that MoU is working with the visiting students, lecturers and professors for collaboration on various projects.“Our guests from UNISA presented papers in research of significant socio-economic importance. There was a range of topics - public administration, e-governance, violence against women from a psychological point of view, law, provision for drinking water for masses and many others. We hope that the engagements and lessons learned from the interactions we have had, lead to the implementation of sustainable projects and result in the development of both our countries”.

The students who interacted with their South African counterparts admitted that it was an immense learning opportunity. They said that they were inspired by the enthusiasm of their visiting friends. The spiritual, cultural and academic odyssey ended with a dinner hosted by honourable Vice Chancellor.Professor Gugu Moche, Executive Dean, UNISA, and the leader of the delegation said “the biggest learning for our students and for the students at University of Mumbai is that we shall not restrict the source of our knowledgeto confined spaces and shall appreciate the opportunities available beyond geographical boundaries”.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), a premier management institution in India, recently played host to a distinguished delegation from the University of South Africa (UNISA). The visit, which took place on October 10, 2023, was aimed at fostering academic collaboration and exploring opportunities for joint research and student exchange programs. The delegation, led by Professor Thabo Mabasa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNISA, was warmly received by Dr. Rajesh Chandy, the Director of JBIMS, and other senior faculty members.

During the visit, both institutions engaged in detailed discussions about their respective strengths and areas of interest. JBIMS highlighted its expertise in management and entrepreneurship, while UNISA shared insights into its extensive experience in open and distance learning. The meeting also covered potential areas for collaboration, including faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of dual-degree programs. The delegates from UNISA expressed a keen interest in learning more about JBIMS's innovative teaching methodologies and its success in producing industry-ready graduates.

The visit concluded with a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) being signed by both institutions, signaling a commitment to a long-term partnership. This collaboration is expected to enhance the academic and research capabilities of both institutions, providing students and faculty with a broader global perspective and access to cutting-edge resources. The event was marked by a spirit of mutual respect and enthusiasm, setting the stage for a fruitful and enduring partnership between JBIMS and UNISA.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

A delegation comprising 3 senior staff members and 13 students from the University of South Africa (UNISA) visited the University of Mumbai (UoM) from February 3rd to 8th, 2012. This visit was part of the MUNIJAN (Mumbai University New Initiative for Joint Action Now) program.

Ms. Siza Magubane, Director of International Relations and Partnerships at UNISA, expressed her delight at reuniting with her Indian friends, marking her second visit to UoM under this initiative.

Dr. Rajan M. Welukar, Vice Chancellor of UoM, highlighted that this visit was a continuation of an initiative that began in 2011. He noted the symbolic timing of the visits: Indian delegates visit UNISA in October (Gandhi's birth month), while South African delegates visit Mumbai around January 30th (Martyr’s Day, Gandhi's death anniversary).

Students from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) actively volunteered, accompanying and guiding the UNISA delegation during their stay in Mumbai. Dr. Kavita Laghate, Director of JBIMS, praised MUNIJAN as a "novel initiative to bind the two universities in a common cultural and academic thread," emphasizing its aim of social development through community participation by students. She also mentioned ongoing collaborations between UoM and the UNISA visitors on various projects.

The UNISA guests presented research papers on a diverse range of socio-economic topics, including public administration, e-governance, violence against women (from a psychological perspective), law, and provision for drinking water for masses. The hope was that these engagements and lessons learned would lead to the implementation of sustainable projects, fostering development in both countries.

Indian students who interacted with their South African counterparts found it to be an "immense learning opportunity" and were inspired by their enthusiasm. The "spiritual, cultural and academic odyssey" concluded with a dinner hosted by the Vice Chancellor.

Professor Gugu Moche, Executive Dean at UNISA and the leader of the delegation, underscored the key learning from the exchange: students from both universities should "not restrict the source of our knowledge to confined spaces and shall appreciate the opportunities available beyond geographical boundaries." This statement beautifully encapsulates the spirit of international academic collaboration and cross-cultural learning fostered by the MUNIJAN program.