On March 19, 2026, the University of South Africa (UNISA) officially announced the acquisition of a 20-hectare airport, making it the first university on the continent to own and operate its own aviation facility.
This move is part of a broader “skills-based” pivot led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, aiming to move UNISA beyond its traditional distance-learning roots and into high-tech, hands-on technical training.
The acquisition transforms UNISA from a theoretical powerhouse into a practical training hub for the “jobs of the future.”
Students in aeronautical engineering and aviation management will now have a live laboratory for flight operations, maintenance, and air traffic logistics.
The 20-hectare space will serve as a testing ground for drones (UAVs), autonomous systems, and satellite communication technologies.
By producing “job-ready” graduates with actual flight-line experience, the university is directly addressing the skilled labor shortage in the African aviation sector.
This milestone comes at a time of significant momentum for the university. Under Professor LenkaBula’s leadership (who recently began her second term in January 2026), UNISA has seen.
