About the Unisa Council

Mr MJ Maboa, Chairperson of the Unisa Council

Our governance journey 

The leadership structures at Unisa ensure the promotion of the strong principles of integrity within the university but the Council remains the overall custodian of good corporate governance and the implementation thereof.

Council's primary responsibility remains playing a key role in setting and guiding the strategic direction of the university but Council also provides continuous oversight on material matters, acting as an independent check and balance to the executive management team, whose principle responsibility remains to manage the university.

The responsibilities of the Chairman of Council and the Vice-Chancellor are clearly defined and separated, as set out in the Council Charter. The Chairman remains responsible for leading the Council and for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of it and its committees. 

A diverse and effective Council

Matters reserved for decision-making at Council level are set out in the statutes of public higher education institutions by custom and in terms of the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997). The Council remains responsible for the ongoing strategic direction of Unisa, reviews approval of major developments and receives regular reports from management on the day-to-day operation of the university. The Council meets at least 4 (four) times a year and has constituted various sub-committees to assist it in the execution of its fiduciary duties.

Council members are diverse in their academic qualifications, industry knowledge, experience, race and gender and this diversity enables them, as individuals but more importantly, as a collective, to provide Unisa with the relevant judgement and guidance to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the university.