Unisa ‘Vindicated’ as Minister Withdraws Administration

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has expressed satisfaction with Minister of Higher Education and Technology Dr. Blade Nzimande’s decision to retract the move to place the university under administration. Nzimande withdrew the Government Gazette notice on Friday, which had initially appointed an administrator to oversee the institution’s affairs as reported by IOL.

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This withdrawal follows a court ruling that directed the minister to revoke the government’s gazette attempting to place Unisa under administration. In a statement on Monday, Unisa welcomed the minister’s decision and commended the independence of the courts in this process.

Unisa stated, “The University of South Africa notes and welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, published in the government gazette No.497227, which confirms his decision to withdraw the notice published in the government gazette No.49582, which announced the decision to appoint an administrator for the university.”

Feeling vindicated by both the recent court ruling and the minister’s decision, Unisa emphasised the correctness of the withdrawal, attributing it to the Pretoria High Court’s order on October 6, 2023. Last month, Minister Nzimande placed Unisa under administration, appointing former University of Johannesburg vice-chancellor Professor Ihron Rensburg as the administrator.

However, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ruled that this decision breached previous court orders and was illegal. The minister’s actions were prompted by an independent panel led by Professor Themba Mosia, which identified maladministration issues at Unisa, including corruption and supply chain challenges. The report also accused the Unisa council and its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, of poor management, maladministration, and an authoritarian management style fostering a culture of fear, intimidation, and bullying.

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Photo: Facebook / @Unisa 2023/2024 students