Unisa in Turmoil as Whistle-Blowers Demand VC Suspension

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is once again under the spotlight as whistle-blower lawyers have called for the immediate suspension of vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula. A scathing legal letter, sent to the university council on 26 November, paints a picture of a campus mired in corruption, intimidation, and governance failures.

Allegations of Misconduct and Corruption

Sebako Attorneys, representing concerned insiders, allege LenkaBula has abused her position to secure personal and political favors. Among the claims are:

• Awarding an R82 million security tender to an ANC MP.

• Using university funds to silence critics.

• Manipulating council appointments to ensure reappointment for a second term.

• Spending over R200 million on legal battles to defend her position, while student services suffered.

• Allegedly bribing a former employee over R500 000 to fabricate sexual harassment claims against a professor, who was later cleared.

• Losing approximately R99 million through irregular salary adjustments.

The letter also details systemic issues, including falsified CVs, nepotism in senior appointments, unauthorized contract extensions, and lavish spending on prestige events rather than student-focused initiatives. Staff reportedly feel silenced and threatened, with some suspended or forced out without due process.

A Constitutional Duty to Act

Sebako Attorneys argue that the Unisa council has a constitutional responsibility to intervene. “This is a pre-eminently public interest matter,” said director Lebohang Sebako. He warned that legal action would be taken to prevent LenkaBula from reporting for duty on 1 January if no action is taken.

The letter also references previous warnings from Molala Attorneys (September 2024) and AfriForum (September 2025), which were allegedly ignored by council chair Dan Mosia. Sebako claims motions to address these concerns were suppressed, preventing accountability.

Broader Implications for South African Higher Education

The allegations at Unisa have ignited public concern about governance in South Africa’s higher education institutions. Social media reactions show students and staff expressing outrage, while academics stress the need for transparency and stronger oversight to protect both learners and faculty.

University Response

Unisa spokesperson Thomas Huma stated that the university prefers not to comment on media reports, calling the allegations a “rehash of old and unfounded claims” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the vice-chancellor and the institution.

A Crisis Unfolding

With whistle-blowers, legal experts, and public scrutiny intensifying, Unisa faces a critical moment in its history. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether accountability will prevail, or if the university will continue to struggle under claims of mismanagement and corruption.