TimesLIVE reports that the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) wants Unisa’s vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula removed after an independent assessor report found governance problems and procurement irregularities at the institution.

The report, which looked into the state of affairs at the university and was compiled by Prof Themba Mosia, was completed last week and presented to Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande. The probe commenced in 2022 amid Nehawu’s calls for the vice-chancellor to be suspended over allegations of irregular expenditure in the refurbishment of her university residence. Nehawu general secretary Zola Saphetha said the union was not surprised by the findings. “The report has exposed the decay and rot in the institution, which is characterised by maladministration, financial irregularities, human resources failures, fragile and troubled ICT environment, poor student services, academic malpractices, culture of fear, intimidation and bullying, questionable management and council decisions, among others,” Saphetha stated. Mosia made 26 recommendations, including that Unisa be placed under administration and the council and management be relieved of their duties. The university is expected to make a public statement on the contents of the report soon. Nzimande is also set to table the report in parliament and make announcements on his decisions regarding the university's governance.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sinesipho Schrieber at BusinessLive
• Read too, Report commissioned by DHET recommends Unisa be placed under administration, at EWN

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