Higher Education Minister to place UNISA under administration

The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation says Minister Blade Nzimande has written to the University of South Africa (UNISA) Council Chairperson  James Maboa, of his intention to place the institution under administration. 

Nzimande reportedly wrote to Maboa on Friday, 4 August. 

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UNISA TO BE PLACED UNDER ADMINISTRATION 

The department said Minister Nzimande intends to exercise his powers in terms of Section 49B of the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997, which empowers him to appoint an administrator.

In terms of Section 49E of the Higher Education Act, the Council of UNISA will be dissolved upon the appointment of an administrator.

The department’s spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said Nzimande’s decision follows reports by an Independent Assessor,  Professor Themba Mosia  and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on UNISA, Chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai.

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The scathing 300-page report found that the Vice-Chancellor Puleng Lenkabula has been flouting procurement procedures for five years. Lenkabula is alleged to have slurped on renovations to her VC residence up to the tune of R3 Million. Upgrades include R277 000 for furniture, R600 000 on flooring. The report also details the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz SUV at a cost of almost R2 million and office renovations.

Mosia also exposed how Lenkabula added on additional staff to her office, which included a chef and a head of social media. The new team would cost the University approximately R14 million. Other staff members received salary increases and backpay dating back to 2007.

“Minister Nzimande is satisfied that the Independent Assessor’s report reveals financial and other maladministration of a serious nature which affects the effective functioning of UNISA.

“The Report reveals that the appointment of an administrator is in the best interest of UNISA and of higher education in an open and democratic society,” he said. 

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MASSIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Furthermore, the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) is said to have conducted an independent review of UNISA’s ‘mission drift’ – which had massive implications for the financial sustainability and future of the institution.  

“The MTT also made a rigorous assessment of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its associative disruptions and shifts will affect many aspects of the academic mission, academic programmes, markets and operating model of UNISA,” Mnisi added. 

Nzimande has reportedly afforded the UNISA Council an opportunity to make written representations to him within seven days of the receipt of his letter.

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