Following the release of an independent assessor report that found governance issues and mismanagement problems at the University of South Africa (Unisa), various student unions and relevant stakeholders are calling for the removal of vice-chancellor, Puleng LenkaBula.
The independent assessor report that was handed to the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, examined Unisa's state affairs. This report revealed financial irregularities, academic malpractice, inadequate student services and a culture of fear and bullying. These were just some of issues that were picked up.
LenkaBula took over leadership of Unisa in 2021 and the state of the institution has declined ever since. An exorbitant amount of money was spent by the vice-chancellor on upgrading the official residence, furnishings and even the addition of a chef and social media manager in her office.
Over R285,000 was spent on sheer curtains, following her demands for a R1.9 million Mercedes Benz. In total, she cost the University R14 million.
Shocking discoveries were also made in the academic department. The department is understaffed and many assignments have been lost or left unmarked. Students and teacher unions are furious as these are students' educations and futures being put at stake due to recklessness and maladministration.
The National Education, Health, and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), as well as the former head of legal services at Unisa, advocate Modidima Mannya, have called for the immediate removal of LenkaBula.
Mannya states that if LenkaBula has "any ethical bone in her" she should resign with immediate effect and hopes that the Minister will act on these findings. Mannya further states that these are acts of criminality and that the release of this report should be followed up with an arrest.
The Minister plans to eventually release this report to the public in the Government Gazette, however, there are recommendations that the institution be placed under administration in the meantime.
