The University of South Africa (Unisa) has found itself under the watchful eye of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology as an independent investigation has been launched to probe into the institution.
Unisa is the largest university in South Africa by enrollments, with around 400,000 students from across South Africa, Africa and other parts of the world.
The investigation follows up from 2020 when Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, appointed a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) to conduct an Independent Review of Unisa, which focused on the strategic mandate and purpose of the university within the South African context.
The Department has now (in 2022) issued the scope of an independent investigation into affairs at Unisa, and has appointed Professor Themba Mosia as an independent assessor to conduct it.
The overall purpose of this new independent investigation is to advise Minister Nzimande on the source and the nature of problems at the university, and the measures that are required to restore good governance and management.
The Task Team examined all contextual and institutional factors that impact the current challenges facing the university and advised on the mandate of the institution and its scope of work as a distance education provider.
At the time, Nzimande said that Unisa was gradually experiencing 'mission-drift' by becoming more 'full-time', yet there has never been a plan that was supported by the National Government, in favour of such a move.
The Task Team (in 2020) made recommendations on measures that were required to ensure that Unisa is strategically positioned as an institution with a clear mandate and mission, supported by the necessary structures for a sustainable future, said the Department.
The Department also reported, based on the conclusions made by the Task Team, that there were issues relating to Unisa's strategic mandate which "suggest shortcomings, challenges and allegations of circumstances that amount to maladministration," which relates to the current probe underway.
Earlier this year, Unisa dealt with accusations of salary adjustments paid to selected academics, professionals and administrative staff, without the approval of the university council, which resulted in millions of rands in over-expenditure.
The finger of accusation came from the representatives of the National Health, Education and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu).
Unisa issued a response to the allegations:
"The university is disturbed by the unfounded and spurious allegations levelled against the Council of the university and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, which are not based on facts and reality but innuendo and slander," reads the statement.
The institution also faces allegations of abuse of power by suspending workers, launching disciplinary cases and dismissing staff unlawfully, as well as misusing funds.
