This agreement will see isiZulu being taught in Russia, while Russian will be offered at UNISA.
The MoU aims to strengthen academic cooperation between SA and Russia, facilitating a student and academic exchange programme with a particular emphasis on language studies.
Tyumen State University, located in Russia’s Ural Federal District, is a prominent research institution, while RUDN, named in honour of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba, is renowned for its global academic networks.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director of the Department of Institutional Advancement at UNISA, highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global standing.
"UNISA has been working for years to build strong international partnerships. Our participation in the Brazil Russia India China and South Africa (BRICS) Higher Education Summit allowed us to establish important relationships with institutions worldwide. This language exchange agreement with UTMN and RUDN is a result of those efforts," Senokoane stated.
Senokoane emphasised the significance of promoting African languages globally.
"African languages have often been marginalised, and this agreement marks a crucial step in ensuring isiZulu gains recognition outside the continent. Language is more than just communication; it carries culture, identity, and history. Beyond that, language can also serve as a commercial and political tool, strengthening international relations and economic collaboration."
A dedicated working group has been tasked with overseeing the programme’s implementation, with plans to begin teaching as early as August 2025.
"We have agreed that by late August, the programme will be in motion. In Russia, isiZulu courses will be offered as three- to six-month modules, while Russian will be taught at UNISA under similar conditions. Each university aims to enrol at least 60 students initially, with academic staff exchanges taking place as well," Senokoane confirmed.
--ChannelAfrica--
