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Shock and Drama in South Africa as Never-Before-Seen Burial Pictures of Suicide Victim Surface
Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa is reeling from a shocking revelation as never-before-seen pictures of the burial of Sibusiso Lawrence, a man accused of murdering his girlfriend and then committing suicide, have emerged on August 28, 2025. The suspect is alleged to have killed the 25-year-old woman and posted graphic content, including a video confession and a photo showing her with a slit throat, on Facebook on Tuesday, sparking widespread outrage. The images, now made public, depict a bizarre ritual where Lawrence’s body was whipped by community members before burial, adding a layer of controversy to an already tragic case.
The grim sequence began when police responded to reports of a murder on a gravel road in the Malangeni area of Umzinto. The victim’s body was found abandoned in the road, with Lawrence having fled the scene in his car. The following day, authorities discovered his body hanging from a tree, presumed to be a suicide. Head of Action Society’s Action Centre, Kaylynn Palm, condemned the violence, stating, “It is unacceptable and heartbreaking that she had to endure such a brutal death, followed by the indignity of having such content shared online. The levels of violence in our country are alarming.” The newly surfaced burial photos, showing the ritualistic whipping, have intensified public debate over cultural practices and justice.
The ritual, reportedly conducted by local elders to “purify” the community from the shame of Lawrence’s actions, has drawn mixed reactions. Some view it as a traditional response to suicide and murder, while others decry it as barbaric. Police are investigating the circumstances of both the murder and the burial, with no official statement yet on the ritual’s legality. The victim’s family has called for privacy, as the nation grapples with the disturbing images and the ongoing trauma of the incident.
UNISA 2026 Applications: Your Guide to Joining Africa’s Leading Distance Learning Institution
August 28, 2025 – The University of South Africa (UNISA), the continent’s largest open distance learning institution, has opened applications for the 2026 academic year. Offering flexible and affordable study options, UNISA invites new and returning students to apply for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral programmes, and Short Learning Programmes (SLPs). With strict deadlines and specific requirements for each qualification type, this comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to successfully navigate the UNISA 2026 application process.
About UNISA
UNISA is a global leader in open distance learning, empowering students across South Africa and beyond to pursue higher education with flexibility. Serving over 400,000 students annually, UNISA offers a wide range of qualifications, from certificates to doctoral degrees, designed to accommodate diverse academic and professional goals. With a commitment to accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence, UNISA remains a trusted choice for students seeking to advance their careers through distance education.
Application Dates for 2026
UNISA has set specific application periods for each qualification type. Late applications will not be considered, so mark these deadlines:
| Qualification Type | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Qualifications | 18 August – 10 October 2025 |
| Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas | 18 August – 10 October 2025 |
| Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications | 2 September – 21 November 2025 (exceptions may apply) |
| Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) – First Semester Modules | 5 January – 13 February 2026 |
| Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) – Year Modules | 5 January – 13 March 2026 |
Required Documents for All Applications
Applicants must submit certified copies (no older than three months) of the following:
- South African ID or passport.
- Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate (NSC), or highest qualification obtained.
- Academic transcripts/records (required for postgraduate applications).
- Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee (R135, additional fees may apply for international students).
- SAQA evaluation certificate (for international qualifications).
- Valid study visa (for international students).
Note: Ensure all documents are certified and uploaded correctly, as incomplete or uncertified submissions will be rejected.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Application Period
18 August – 10 October 2025
Who Should Apply
- First-time UNISA applicants.
- Current UNISA students changing to a new qualification.
- Applicants previously denied a space or unable to register.
- Those pursuing a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree.
Admission Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with required achievement levels (e.g., Bachelor’s Pass for degree programmes).
- Senior Certificate (SC) with matric exemption or equivalent.
- National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V) with appropriate subject combinations.
- Minimum Admission Point Score (APS) as specified per programme (check the UNISA 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus for details).
- International students: SAQA-evaluated qualifications.
Application Process
- Visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Undergraduate Qualifications.”
- Choose your qualification (certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree).
- Complete the online form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload certified documents (ID/passport, senior certificate, etc.).
- Pay the R135 application fee via credit/debit card, bank deposit, or EFT (use your student number as reference).
- Submit the application and save your reference number for tracking.
Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas
Application Period
18 August – 10 October 2025
Who Qualifies
- Applicants with a relevant undergraduate degree or diploma.
- Those meeting minimum academic performance and prerequisite module requirements.
- Candidates prepared to submit additional requirements (e.g., portfolios or research experience) as specified.
Admission Requirements
- Relevant undergraduate qualification in the field of study.
- Minimum performance levels in required modules.
- Certified academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- SAQA evaluation for international qualifications.
Application Process
- Gather certified copies of your undergraduate degree, transcripts, and ID/passport.
- Visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas.”
- Complete the online form with accurate details.
- Upload all required certified documents.
- Pay the R135 application fee.
- Submit the application and save your reference number.
Tip: Check programme-specific requirements in the UNISA 2026 Postgraduate Prospectus.
Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications
Application Period
2 September – 21 November 2025 (some programmes may have different deadlines)
Who Qualifies
- Master’s: Applicants with an Honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant field.
- Doctoral: Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree.
- Those meeting faculty-specific requirements (e.g., prior research experience or publications).
- Applicants with a potential supervisor for research-based programmes.
Admission Requirements
- Certified copies of previous degrees and transcripts.
- Research proposal (for research-based programmes) outlining objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Minimum academic performance as specified by the faculty.
- SAQA evaluation and valid study visa for international students.
Application Process
- Prepare certified copies of qualifications, transcripts, ID/passport, and research proposal.
- Visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications.”
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Upload all required documents, including the research proposal.
- Pay the R135 application fee.
- Submit the application and save your reference number.
Tips:
- Contact potential supervisors early to secure approval.
- Verify programme-specific deadlines and requirements.
- Ensure your research proposal aligns with faculty guidelines.
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
Registration Period
- First Semester Modules: 5 January – 13 February 2026
- Year Modules: 5 January – 13 March 2026
Who Can Register
- Professionals seeking to upskill or gain new expertise.
- Career changers exploring new fields.
- Students testing a subject area before committing to a full qualification.
Admission Requirements
- Vary by programme; some require prior qualifications or experience, while others are open to all.
- International students may need SAQA-evaluated qualifications or a study visa.
- Check specific SLP requirements on www.unisa.ac.za.
Registration Process
- Visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Short Learning Programmes.”
- Browse and select your desired SLP module or course.
- Complete the online registration form with accurate details.
- Upload any required documents (e.g., prior qualifications or experience).
- Pay the registration fee (amount varies by programme).
- Submit and save your reference number.
Tip: Register early to secure your spot, as SLPs have limited spaces.
Application Fee & Payment Methods
- Standard Fee: R135 per application (non-refundable).
- International Students: Additional fees may apply based on programme and country of residence.
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Card: VISA or MasterCard, paid via the UNISA application portal.
- Bank Deposit: Pay at any Standard Bank branch using your student number as reference; retain the deposit slip.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Use your student number as reference; upload proof of payment if required.
Notes:
- Cash payments are not accepted at UNISA offices.
- Save all payment confirmations for verification.
- Multiple applications require separate fees.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application Review: UNISA’s admissions team verifies documents, academic qualifications, and APS or programme-specific requirements.
- Track Application Status: Monitor progress via the UNISA Application Portal. Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
- Offer Letter: Successful applicants receive an offer letter detailing acceptance, registration deadlines, and any conditions (e.g., prerequisite modules).
- Accepting the Offer: Accept within the specified timeframe to secure your place, or risk losing it.
- Registration: Register online via the UNISA student portal, select modules, and pay registration/tuition fees by the deadline.
Tip: Keep all correspondence and receipts for reference.
Key Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Submit as soon as the application window opens to resolve any issues (e.g., missing documents or payment errors).
- Certify Documents: Ensure all uploaded documents are certified and less than three months old.
- Verify Qualification Requirements: Review the UNISA 2026 Prospectus for programme-specific criteria and APS.
- Use Valid Contact Details: Provide an active email and phone number for updates and notifications.
- Save Payment Proof: Retain receipts for application and registration fees.
- Track Status Regularly: Check the UNISA Application Portal for updates and respond to requests promptly.
- Meet Deadlines: Mark all application, registration, and payment deadlines to avoid rejection.
- Seek Support: Contact UNISA’s Student Support Services for assistance with application or registration issues.
Contact Details for Assistance
- UNISA Contact Centre: 0800 00 1870 (South Africa)
- Email: applications@unisa.ac.za (general queries), study-info@unisa.ac.za (international queries)
- College-Specific Contacts: Available on www.unisa.ac.za
UNISA’s 2026 applications offer a gateway to flexible, high-quality education for students worldwide. Whether pursuing an undergraduate degree, honours, postgraduate diploma, master’s, doctoral programme, or SLP, early preparation and adherence to requirements are key to securing your place. Apply now at www.unisa.ac.za/apply and take the first step toward achieving your academic and career goals with UNISA!
