Feresane Sibeko, the Executive Director of Facilities Management at the University of South Africa (Unisa), is at the forefront of a critical task: overseeing the diverse facets of the university’s infrastructure. In a recent interview with Africa Talks Construction, Sibeko shed light on the multifaceted responsibilities of Unisa’s facilities management team and the challenges they encounter in maintaining and enhancing the university’s built environment.
Unisa, a prominent institution renowned for its commitment to education and research, shoulders a significant responsibility in not only providing academic excellence but also ensuring the functionality and sustainability of its infrastructure. Sibeko emphasized that while Unisa is primarily responsible for planning, his team plays a pivotal role in supporting the university’s engagement and research initiatives.
The scope of Unisa’s facilities expertise encompasses four key domains:
- Projects Department: This division oversees the construction of new facilities, vital for accommodating the evolving needs of the university’s academic and administrative functions.
- Property Management: Unisa’s extensive property portfolio necessitates meticulous management to optimize utilization and upkeep.
- Maintenance: Addressing the maintenance needs of infrastructure, including civil, general, and electrical upkeep, is paramount to preserving the longevity and functionality of existing facilities.
- Support Services: Ensuring the cleanliness and well-being of the university’s infrastructure is essential for creating a conducive environment for learning and research.
Unisa’s infrastructure footprint spans across nine provinces, presenting a formidable management challenge that demands efficiency and strategic planning.
When confronted with the maintenance challenges prevalent in South Africa, Sibeko underscored the issue of aging infrastructure, with some buildings dating back 150 years. Mitigating this challenge requires a proactive approach to preventative maintenance, although the financial burden associated with maintaining aging structures remains a persistent concern.
Within the realm of facilities management at Unisa, Sibeko outlined several challenges his team confronts:
- Age of Structures: Managing aging infrastructure necessitates collaborative efforts to establish clear maintenance and renovation goals.
- Construction Complexities: Dealing with new construction projects is complicated by the presence of construction mafias, yet Unisa has successfully navigated this challenge through community engagement initiatives.
- Load Shedding: The issue of load shedding poses a significant threat to facilities management, underscoring the need for robust backup power systems to mitigate disruptions.
Despite these formidable challenges, Sibeko and his team remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring Unisa’s infrastructure remains functional and conducive to its core mission of education and research. Through strategic planning, innovative solutions, and community engagement, Unisa’s facilities management endeavors to uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence while addressing the dynamic needs of its diverse stakeholders.
