Unisa VC appointed for second term, looks back on the 2024 academic year

News & Media

On 13 December 2024, Unisa hosted its academic closing ceremony, celebrating what has been a sterling year that culminated with the appointment of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Puleng LenkaBula, for a second term. The ceremony was held under the theme Reclaiming Africa’s intellectual futures into the next 150 years and beyond at the university’s Muckleneuk Campus.

Grateful for the achievements and lessons learned

In his welcome address, Dr Dan Mosia, Chairperson of Council, stated that the annual closing ceremony is an important moment where the university pauses and reflects on the university’s achievements and areas that need to be improved. He explained: "This year saw us embracing and accelerating transformation and innovation, and standing united in pursuit of academic excellence. We are grateful for the achievements and the lessons learned."

Dr Dan Mosia, Chairperson of the Unisa Council

Mosia said that the cost of living has had adverse effects on livelihoods, compounded by the recent energy crisis, a dormant economy and the aftermath of Covid-19, among others, all of which, he said, impact the cost and access to education. "Yet at the same time," he added, "we have had moments that presented us with opportunities to be resilient, innovative and competitive."

He continued: "The growth and improvement of Unisa is demonstrated by its local and global competitiveness, as it impacts society and builds strategic partnerships to help us strengthen our academic and research agenda."

Unisa Statute and the Delegation of Authority Framework

Mosia stated that the university has managed to finalise the Unisa Statute and the Delegation of Authority Framework, adding: "These two documents are foundational to the entire governance of the university, marking an important chapter in the university’s quest to strengthen institutional governance and transformation."

Concluding his message, Mosia, congratulated the VC on her reappointment, saying that she is still the right person to steer the university to realise its vision and strategic objectives. He added: "As Chair of Council, I am convinced that her leadership is aligned with the vision of the university and the demands of the 21^st century."

Pioneering academic excellence

The VC’s reappointed is underpinned by her sterling work and the achievements she accomplished during her initial term in office as the first woman VC in the history of the university from January 2021. Her dedication to academic excellence is evidenced by the university’s improved scientific output, teaching and learning, and research, increased internationalisation and partnerships, student-centredness, and improvement of the university’s academic rankings and financial growth. Under her leadership and guidance, the university has experienced a surge in commitment from academics, researchers and support staff.

Outstandingly, soon after taking office, the VC introduced the Ten Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs), highly specialised fields of study aimed at widening the scope of the university's research and academic agenda, particularly in areas that address pressing societal challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula

In her address, the VC applauded the various portfolios, departments, academics support staff, the National Student Representative Council and the university’s recognised organised labour unions, highlighting each of their key successes for this year, stating: "You have done well for the university; each of you contribute to a story that is worth telling."

She celebrated the university’s students, revealing that more than 198 000 are supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. "This," she continued, "means that they come from underprivileged backgrounds, yet the graduation numbers that we have seen, which is over 58 000, is testament to their dedication and commitment to using education as a resource for changing our plight and that of our society."

Propelling the university to greater heights

Concluding her message, the VC announced her second term to the audience, received by excitement, loud cheers and applause. She proceeded to thank the Chair of Council, members of Council and various statutory committees, which, she said, supported this decision. "I pledge with dedication, commitment and humility to all of you, that I will co-construct and propel the university to even greater heights," she said.

Awarding excellence

Amid the celebration of this year’s achievements, Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Acting Executive Director: Department of Institutional Advancement, introduced this year’s top performing graduates, who were awarded certificates and bursaries to recognise their hard work and academic prowess in the following categories:

College Graduate Excellence Awards
Senate Excellence Awards
Council Excellence Awards

Unisa's top students for 2024 received certificates for excelling in their various fields of study

In his vote of thanks, Prof Solomon Magano, Acting Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, congratulated the top performing students. Additionally, Magano congratulated the VC on her reappointment, stating: "You truly deserve to be lavished with commendations and praise for your tenacity, hard work and bravery amidst hostilities."

Prof Solomon Magano, Acting Vice-Principal: Institutional Advancement

As the curtain falls on another excellent academic year, Magano stated that all the vital signs that epitomise a healthy functioning university were evident during the 2024 academic year.

To view a recording of the ceremony, click here.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

* * Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre