Ex-Unisa registrar asks Madlanga commission to investigate university

The former registrar of the University of South Africa (Unisa) has called on the Madlanga commission to investigate allegations of maladministration, financial irregularities and governance failures at the institution.

In a submission dated 15 October, Professor Steward Mothata urged the commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to consider allegations involving the misuse of public funds, the alleged victimisation of senior staff who raise concerns and the handling of unresolved criminal complaints.

Although the commission’s terms of reference focus on law enforcement and the judiciary, Mothata argues that alleged governance problems in higher education also deserve attention.

“We are aware your commission is more focused on law enforcement and the judiciary. We want to bring it to your attention that the same happens in higher education and both law enforcement, the judiciary and politicians are central to the challenges in this sector,” he said.

Former registrar raises concerns about Unisa leadership

Mothata’s submission contains allegations against Unisa vice-chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula and the university council, particularly regarding the institution’s governance and the handling of internal disputes.

One of the key issues raised is the independent assessor’s report from March 2023.

Mothata claims the report contained serious findings about Unisa’s governance and raised questions about whether LenkaBula met the requirements for her appointment as vice-chancellor.

He also alleges that the university council continued holding meetings after losing its quorum in June 2023.

The former registrar has called for outstanding legal disputes relating to the assessor’s findings to be examined.

Unisa’s R107.89 million legal bill questioned

The submission also raises concerns about the university’s legal spending, particularly the costs associated with internal disputes and governance matters.

Mothata refers to a submission made to Parliament’s Higher Education Portfolio Committee on 8 August 2024, which recorded Unisa’s legal costs at R107.89 million at the time.

He further alleges that senior employees were removed from their positions after raising concerns about governance and expenditure at the institution.

Unisa yet to respond

Mothata’s submission asks the Madlanga commission to consider whether the allegations warrant further investigation, despite the commission’s original focus on the criminal justice system.

Unisa had not responded to questions by the time of publication.

The allegations contained in the submission have not been independently established, and no findings of wrongdoing by the individuals or institution named have been made in the information provided.

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Source: citizen.co.za