* The Challenge: The SaveUNISA forum has formally contested the UNISA Council’s decision to reappoint Professor Puleng LenkaBula.
* The Decision: The Council recently granted LenkaBula a second five-year term as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, effective January 2026.
* Core Grievance: Critics cite unresolved governance issues and findings from previous independent assessor reports.
* Current Status: The forum is demanding a transparent review of leadership performance and institutional stability.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) Council recently confirmed the reappointment of Professor Puleng LenkaBula for a second term. The Council described the review process as robust, emphasizing LenkaBula’s role in navigating the institution through a period of digital transformation and financial growth. As the first female Vice-Chancellor in the university’s history, her tenure has been marked by significant milestones in institutional representation.
However, the SaveUNISA forum has launched a formal challenge against this extension, arguing that the decision ignores critical systemic failures. The forum highlights the findings of previous independent assessments which suggested administrative drift and mismanagement. These stakeholders argue that a second term for the current leadership undermines efforts to restore the university’s global reputation and operational efficiency.
This leadership dispute comes at a sensitive time for the continent’s largest distance-learning institution. While some internal factions, including certain staff unions, support the continuity offered by LenkaBula, the SaveUNISA forum maintains that fresh leadership is required to address deep-seated governance concerns. The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between the university’s executive council and various oversight advocacy groups.
Timeline: Last 48 Hours
* December 20, 2025: SaveUNISA forum mobilizes against the Council’s reappointment announcement, citing a lack of consultation.
* December 21, 2025 (Morning): SABC News confirms the formal challenge submitted by the forum to university authorities.
* December 21, 2025 (Afternoon): Stakeholders within the higher education sector weigh in on the potential legal implications of the challenge.
* December 22, 2025 (01:05 SAST): The UNISA Council remains firm on its decision while the forum explores further administrative recourse.
Key Players
* Professor Puleng LenkaBula: The UNISA Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the center of the reappointment.
* The UNISA Council: The university’s highest governing body that approved the second term.
* SaveUNISA Forum: An advocacy group comprised of concerned stakeholders and academic critics.
* Professor Themba Mosia: The former Independent Assessor whose report remains a focal point for critics.
* Department of Higher Education (DHET): The regulatory body monitoring the unfolding governance dispute.
