As the University of South Africa (UNISA) enters its post-150th anniversary phase, the institution demonstrates consistent progress under the leadership of Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula. Recent data reveals improvements in academic output, international collaborations, and stakeholder engagement, reflecting a strategic focus on innovation and inclusivity. With her reappointment for a second term confirmed for January 2026, LenkaBula’s approach continues to align UNISA with broader goals in higher education, emphasizing accessible learning for nearly 400,000 students across the continent.
LenkaBula’s tenure, which began in 2021 as the first black woman to hold the role, has centered on enhancing UNISA’s role as a leader in open distance e-learning. This emphasis comes at a time when the university’s scale, serving one-third of South Africa’s tertiary students, positions it as a key player in national development. Recent metrics underscore this trajectory: UNISA’s 2025 graduation figures reached 65,000, including 512 PhDs and 922 master’s degrees, maintaining its contribution to the country’s skilled workforce. In global rankings, the university achieved a 66.3 score in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, securing top-quartile positions in sustainable development goals such as quality education and gender equality.
A hallmark of LenkaBula’s strategy involves forging partnerships that expand UNISA’s research and academic reach. Last week, she facilitated a structuring agreement with Canada’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and South Africa’s iThemba LABS, aimed at joint initiatives in nuclear sciences, innovation, and academic exchanges. This collaboration, discussed during a ministerial delegation meeting in Cape Town, builds on UNISA’s commitment to international cooperation. “Through this agreement, the partners reaffirm their shared vision for advancing knowledge,” LenkaBula noted in a statement, highlighting potential benefits for student mobility and collaborative projects.
Similarly, UNISA’s hosting of the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Studentpreneurs Indaba and Lekgotla last month showcased LenkaBula’s push for sustainable entrepreneurship. The event brought together educators, students, and industry experts to explore innovative business models aligned with environmental goals. Participants praised the forum for fostering practical skills, with one attendee describing it as “a platform that equips the next generation for real-world impact.” This aligns with LenkaBula’s broader agenda to integrate fourth industrial revolution technologies into curricula, enhancing student preparedness for global markets.
In March 2025, UNISA under LenkaBula’s guidance hosted the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference and General Assembly, drawing experts from across the continent to discuss advancements in space science. LenkaBula’s opening address emphasized UNISA’s role in promoting STEM fields, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conference not only elevated UNISA’s profile but also facilitated new research networks, contributing to Africa’s growing presence in astronomy.
LenkaBula’s engagement extends to public and policy dialogues. In May 2025, she served as keynote speaker at the Higher Education Resource Services-South Africa (HERS-SA) Emerging Women Leaders event, sharing insights on leadership in academia. Her address focused on strategies for advancing gender equity, drawing from her own experiences to inspire attendees. Later that month, she delivered opening remarks at the G20 Community Outreach launch in Pretoria, underscoring UNISA’s alignment with themes of solidarity and sustainability.
October 2025 saw further activity, including a SAICA monitoring visit to UNISA’s College of Accounting Sciences, where LenkaBula met with executives to discuss strengthening accounting education programs. This interaction aims to ensure alignment with professional standards, benefiting thousands of aspiring accountants. Additionally, LenkaBula provided a response at the third Kairos Public Lecture alongside Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, offering perspectives on theology, leadership, and social justice. As a theologian herself, her contributions added depth to discussions on ethical governance.
Looking ahead, UNISA’s 2025 Founders’ Lecture, featuring renowned economist Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, promises to address global challenges like sustainability and inequality. LenkaBula’s curation of such events positions the university as a hub for intellectual exchange. In September 2025, her congratulatory message at a university milestone event highlighted ongoing achievements, expressing optimism for continued growth.
Financial stability remains a cornerstone, with unqualified audits affirming prudent management. This fiscal health supports investments in digital infrastructure, such as enhanced online platforms that have improved access for remote learners. Stakeholders note that these developments enhance UNISA’s resilience, particularly in serving working adults and rural communities.
LenkaBula’s vision, as outlined on UNISA’s governance page, seeks to reclaim the institution’s space as an innovative leader in distance education. This includes multilingual resources and decolonial curricula, ensuring relevance in an African context. Recent G20 outreach programs, where UNISA representatives conveyed her messages on equality, further integrate the university into national and international policy conversations.
As her second term approaches, LenkaBula’s record of partnerships and performance metrics suggests a foundation for sustained advancement. UNISA’s contributions to research productivity, with steady increases in National Research Foundation-rated scholars, complement this outlook. Observers in higher education circles view these steps as positioning UNISA to meet evolving demands, from AI integration to sustainable development.
In summary, UNISA’s recent activities under LenkaBula reflect a commitment to excellence and expansion. With ongoing initiatives like the INRS collaboration and high-profile lectures, the university continues to build on its legacy, offering valuable opportunities for students and researchers alike.
