Prof Ihron Rensburg Takes the Helm at University of South Africa

Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa to address governance and financial irregularities. His responsibilities include initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities. Prof Rensburg will also establish a new council, realign UNISA’s strategic focus, and support student body strategies to improve success rates. His appointment represents a critical juncture for UNISA, and the higher education community looks forward to the revitalization of its governance, management, and strategic focus.

What is the role of Prof Ihron Rensburg at the University of South Africa?

Prof Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa to address chronic management failures, governance issues, and financial irregularities. His responsibilities include initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities. Prof Rensburg will also establish a new council, realign UNISA’s strategic focus, and support student body strategies to improve success rates.

Transforming the University of South Africa

In an effort to address governance and management challenges at the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has appointed Professor Ihron Rensburg as the Administrator. This change comes as a response to the issues brought to light in the Independent Assessor (IA) report by Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report released in August 2021.

Prof Rensburg is well-versed in academic leadership and innovation, having served as the Vice-chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg and the Administrator of the Vaal University of Technology in 2021. His extensive experience includes successfully merging the former Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University into the University of Johannesburg, marking a significant expansion in the higher education sector.

As UNISA’s Administrator, Prof Rensburg’s tenure will last for 24 months, beginning on October 27, 2023. His responsibilities will comprise biannual written reports for the Minister or designated department officials, as well as a comprehensive written report within 30 days of the conclusion of his appointment period.

Addressing Governance and Management Challenges

The IA and MTT reports revealed chronic management failures, governance issues, and financial irregularities at UNISA, with the university’s Council being at the heart of these problems. As a result, the institution’s sustainability and quality are at risk.

In his new role, Prof Rensburg will assume a variety of responsibilities, taking over the Council’s powers, functions, and duties related to governance and managing the university. He will be tasked with initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities.

Moreover, Prof Rensburg will be responsible for ensuring visible consequence management for illicit practices, reviewing and submitting the University Statute for the Minister’s approval, realigning UNISA’s strategic focus as an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution, and supporting student body strategies to improve success rates.

Building a New Governance Structure and Addressing Systemic Issues

An essential aspect of Prof Rensburg’s role will be the establishment of a new council, including proper induction of members and an effective handover of governance roles. This process will involve probity assessments for potential council members, based on their qualifications, experience, expertise, and ethical conduct. Current members of the University Executive Management will serve out their terms, and the Administrator will decide whether their terms should be extended or not, based on performance assessments.

The findings of the IA and MTT reports have uncovered recurring themes, such as governance and management problems, as well as significant shortcomings in departments such as Supply Chain Management (SCM), Human Resource (HR) Management, Compliance functions, and Finance. Furthermore, the university’s External Auditors resigned at the end of 2022 due to UNISA’s high-risk profile, prompting the appointment of new external auditors in March 2023.

As Prof Ihron Rensburg takes the reins to transform UNISA, stakeholders are eager to witness the positive changes that will solidify the university’s standing as a top-tier institution. This appointment represents a critical juncture for UNISA, and the higher education community looks forward to the revitalization of its governance, management, and strategic focus, ensuring a brighter future for its students, staff, and the broader South African society.

1. Who is Prof Ihron Rensburg, and what is his role at the University of South Africa?

Prof Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa to address chronic management failures, governance issues, and financial irregularities. His responsibilities include initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities.

2. Why was Prof Rensburg appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa?

Prof Rensburg’s appointment was a response to chronic management failures, governance issues, and financial irregularities identified in the Independent Assessor (IA) report by Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report released in August 2021.

3. What are Prof Rensburg’s previous experiences?

Prof Rensburg has served as the Vice-chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg and the Administrator of the Vaal University of Technology in 2021. He successfully merged the former Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University into the University of Johannesburg.

4. How long will Prof Rensburg’s tenure last at the University of South Africa?

Prof Rensburg’s tenure as the Administrator of the University of South Africa will last for 24 months, beginning on October 27, 2023.

5. What will be the responsibilities of Prof Rensburg at the University of South Africa?

Prof Rensburg will be responsible for initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities. He will also establish a new council, realign UNISA’s strategic focus, support student body strategies to improve success rates, and assume a variety of responsibilities related to governance and managing the university.

6. What challenges is Prof Rensburg expected to address at the University of South Africa?

Prof Rensburg is expected to address chronic management failures, governance issues, and financial irregularities identified in the Independent Assessor (IA) report by Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report released in August 2021. He is also expected to address significant shortcomings in departments such as Supply Chain Management (SCM), Human Resource (HR) Management, Compliance functions, and Finance.

7. What will be the role of the new council that Prof Rensburg will establish?

The new council that Prof Rensburg will establish will carry out powers, functions, and duties related to governance and managing the university. It will involve probity assessments for potential council members, and current members of the University Executive Management will serve out their terms, with the Administrator deciding whether their terms should be extended or not, based on performance assessments.

8. What are the expected outcomes of Prof Rensburg’s appointment?

Prof Rensburg’s appointment represents a critical juncture for UNISA, and the higher education community looks forward to the revitalization of its governance, management, and strategic focus, ensuring a brighter future for its students, staff, and the broader South African society. The expected outcomes are the restoration of proper governance and management, the commissioning of an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities, the establishment of a new council, and realignment of UNISA’s strategic focus as an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution.