Unisa’s Spending Habits Under Scrutiny

1 min read
unisa governance failures

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is currently facing intense scrutiny over allegations of excessive spending on non-essential items. This has raised concerns about governance failures and misplaced priorities at the institution.

Controversy Over the Curtains

Central to the controversy are the curtains purchased for the official residence of Unisa’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula. Reports indicate that the university spent over R285,000 on these curtains, while an external company quoted a mere R20,630 for the same items.

An Independent Assessor Investigates

In response to the allegations, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande appointed an independent assessor, Professor Themba Mosia, to investigate the matter. Mosia expressed interest in inspecting the curtains in question and upon visiting the Cloghereen residence, found that the overall cost of renovations, furniture, and appliances exceeded R3 million.

Questionable Spending

Mosia’s report highlights questionable spending practices, such as the R8,000 spent on vacuum cleaner training, despite limited carpeting in the house. The report also noted discrepancies in the cost of painting items procured by Unisa.

Governance Failure

According to Mosia, LenkaBula informed him that she was waiting for the installation of a security system that she had requested for her family’s safety, as advised by the council. While Mosia did not place blame solely on LenkaBula, he emphasized that the situation reflects a governance failure on the part of Unisa’s council.

Involvement in Renovation Process

Further investigation revealed that LenkaBula played an active role in the renovation process, providing specific requests for new items and imported appliances. However, during an interview, LenkaBula denied involvement in operational processes, except when expressing concerns about procurement practices not being value for money.

Excess Spending on Vehicles

Another point of contention is the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d for the Vice-Chancellor at a cost of R1.9 million, which exceeded the budgeted R1.2 million. LenkaBula defended the purchase, stating it was part of her remuneration package as decided by the council.

Recommendations for Effective Governance

The objective of Professor Mosia’s investigation was to advise Minister Nzimande on the issues affecting Unisa and to recommend actions to restore effective governance and management practices at the institution. Unisa has acknowledged receipt of the report and confirmed that it would respond within the stipulated 14-day timeframe.

Importance of Accountability and Responsible Governance

As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsible governance within educational institutions. Transparency in decision-making processes and prioritizing spending that benefits students and the broader academic community is necessary.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Amandel Road Upgrade in Kuils River: A Step Forward in Urban Mobility

Next Story

Celebrating International Museum Day: The Evolution of Museums as Agents of Change

Latest from Blog

Strengthening Ties: South Africa and India’s Strategic Partnership

The partnership between South Africa and India is a powerful bond that goes back to the fight against apartheid. It’s not just about history; both countries share dreams for a better future through advanced technology and strong defense. Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa highlights the importance of working together, especially to prepare for new challenges like climate change and terrorism. By involving young people and focusing on humanitarian efforts, they are building a brighter, safer tomorrow for everyone. This friendship shows how countries can unite to create peace and growth in a complex world.

A Historic Rugby Showdown in London: Springboks vs. Argentina 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable rugby match in 2025! The Springboks and Argentina will clash at London’s Allianz Stadium in a historic showdown. This is the first time these teams will meet on neutral ground, making the stakes even higher. With passionate fans cheering and a fierce competition on the field, this match could decide the Rugby Championship winner. Both teams are ready to show their skills and make their countries proud in this exciting battle!

Chidimma Adetshina: A Tale of Dreams, Identity, and Controversy

Chidimma Adetshina’s story is a vibrant journey from Nigeria to the glamorous world of beauty pageants. After winning Miss Universe Nigeria, she faced unexpected challenges when she entered Miss South Africa, sparking debates about her citizenship and identity. This controversy brought to light deeper issues surrounding immigration and belonging in Africa. Despite the turmoil, Adetshina returned to Nigeria and continued to chase her dreams, becoming Miss Nigeria 2024, symbolizing resilience and hope amid the chaos. Her tale inspires us to think about what it truly means to belong and pursue our aspirations against all odds.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp

The MandelaSobukwe Leadership Camp in Cape Town is a vibrant annual event that brings together 100 young leaders from across South Africa. Here, students dive into important topics like genderbased violence and mental health, gaining skills and inspiration to spark change in their communities. The camp honors the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe, reminding participants of the power of perseverance and courage. As they engage in workshops and share ideas, these young changemakers leave with renewed hope and a toolkit to build a brighter future, embodying the spirit of resilience found in the heart of Cape Town.

The Satirical Asylum: Gasant Abarder’s Middle-Class Musings

Gasant Abarder’s satirical letter humorously asks for asylum from Bangladesh, poking fun at the struggles of middleclass life in South Africa. Using funny stories and sharp observations, he highlights the quirks of identity, the high costs of living, and the absurdities of societal norms. He dreams of cricket glory in Bangladesh while feeling overlooked at home, showing his longing for belonging. Through laughter, Abarder encourages us to reflect on our own lives and seek hope amid chaos, reminding us that humor can help us navigate life’s tricky paths.