Unisa Receives Government Oversight
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has been placed under administration by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande. This decision, effective from October 27, 2024, will have a significant impact on South Africa’s largest university, with the administration period set to last 24 months.
Reasons Behind the Administrative Decision
The Minister’s decision is based on two important reports: the Independent Assessor report by Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report. These reports have highlighted concerns regarding Unisa’s governance, administration, quality, and sustainability. Management deficiencies within the university’s support systems and actions taken by the council have been identified as contributing factors to these issues.
Unisa’s Reaction to the Decision
Unisa strongly opposes the Minister’s decision and refers to a court order that initially prevented him from placing the institution under administration. The university argues that the announcement disregards the court order dated October 6, 2024, by Justice Kooverjie that halted the administration process.
Unisa emphasizes that the matter is still pending in court, as evidenced by Justice Adams’ previous order on August 24, 2024, which required the Minister to refrain from making decisions until the legal process was completed. The university is also dissatisfied with the timing of the decision, as it coincides with students in the midst of final exams and recent graduations.
In response, Unisa has taken legal action to contest the announcement made on October 27, 2024. The university is committed to keeping its community informed as the legal process unfolds and upholding the country’s legal processes while addressing the Minister’s concerns.
The Role of the Administrator
Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator for Unisa by Minister Nzimande. Professor Rensburg is a highly regarded academic and university administrator, having previously served as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg. He also held the role of Administrator at the Vaal University of Technology in 2021.
As the Administrator, Professor Rensburg’s responsibilities will include taking control of the council’s duties and overseeing the university during the 24-month period. He will initiate processes to restore proper governance, create a turnaround plan to address identified issues, conduct a forensic audit to rectify financial irregularities, and review the university’s statutes and policies.
The focus will also be on improving Unisa’s performance as an Open Distance e-Learning institution, supporting student success, and reconstituting the council with probity assessments for prospective members. Professor Rensburg’s extensive experience and qualifications make him well-suited for this critical role during Unisa’s history.
Nzimande Legal Defeat in Unisa Administration Quest
Although initially halted by a court order, Minister Nzimande has officially placed the University of South Africa (Unisa) under administration. This decision comes after concerns were raised regarding Unisa’s governance, administration, quality, and sustainability. Unisa has expressed its opposition to the decision, citing legal proceedings still pending in court and the impact on students during crucial exam periods. Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator and will be responsible for addressing the identified issues and improving Unisa’s performance as an Open Distance e-Learning institution. Unisa remains committed to upholding the legal process while contesting the Minister’s decision.
