The University of South Africa (Unisa) notes with serious concern reports doing the rounds on certain media platforms alleging the eruption of a corruption scandal and claims of explosive allegations faced by the university and its Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

The university dismisses these reports and allegations with the contempt they deserve and would like to make the public aware that these reports, premised on a ‘dossier’ circulated by enemies of the institution, contain nothing but a rehash of old and unfounded allegations that have been peddled against the university and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor since her appointment in 2021.

The fact is that, to date, nobody has produced a shred of evidence to proof these allegations, except continued suggestions, innuendo and defamatory statements.

The university wishes to further clarify as follows:

On the appointment of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula was appointed via a legitimate, transparent and above-board recruitment process managed by the Council of the university. Like all candidates who vied for this position, she was subjected to the applicable shortlisting and interview processes, which culminated in the Council resolution to appoint her as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Surely, if there was anything untoward in respect of her suitability for the role and/or her qualifications, the selection and credential verification processes would have picked that up.

Similarly, the extension of her tenure by a further five-years followed a rigorous and well- considered performance review process, based on a performance contract entered into between herself and Council. Having been satisfied with her performance, Council took the decision to extend her term.

On allegations of corruption, irregular tenders, fraud and financial mismanagement

The university has in place a very robust and tight governance regime, with more than sufficient checks and balances to prevent and discourage any malfeasance; or hold accountable any official caught violating the rules.

Staff members and other stakeholders with knowledge of corrupt and/or fraudulent conduct by any official of the university are encouraged to report such conduct through the existing reporting mechanisms in the university and/or external law enforcement agencies, including providing evidence to corroborate their allegations.

Allegations of a breakdown in governance and financial accountability are therefore misleading and grossly exaggerated. There are systems and governance structures in place in the university, including within the executive environment as well as Council, which ensure adherence to institutional policy and national legislation.

The announcement of consecutive unqualified audit opinions in the last five years is but one of the examples that the fiscus of the university is being managed with the utmost prudence and diligence.

Furthermore, there are no tenders in the university awarded without following proper tender processes; and with a vigilant Tender Management Committee in place to oversee compliance. What is reported in the media about an R82 million tender awarded to a certain politician is a plain lie, and very defamatory. No such tender has been awarded.

On the payment of legal fees by the university

The university, like any other legal person or entity, will always be the subject of litigation, either instituted by itself or in defence of the institution. It goes without saying that the litigation process will entail the use of legal services, at a cost to the university. What the university ends up paying for legal services will always be premised on the number of litigation exercises it has to contend with in a particular year.

The figures will always differ from year to year as the issues can never be the same. Any comparison of legal costs between the current and previous administrations of the university is neither relevant nor sensible. Needless to say, the university often has to defend itself legally against some malicious, frivolous and serial litigants.

On current and former employees facing disciplinary action

Unisa, like any other organisation, has policies and codes of conduct that staff members are expected to adhere to. In the event of the violation of these policies or misconduct by staff members, the university has a responsibility to take corrective action. Depending on the gravity of the acts of misconduct, precautionary suspensions and dismissals are often necessary as the remedial steps to be applied.

The affected employees, if aggrieved, still have the recourse to take their dissatisfaction to other tribunals for a remedy. The university reserves the right to defend its position, and will do so, at these tribunals. It is unfortunate that some of our current and former staff members who have been subjected to disciplinary action, want to deal with their grievances through the media, rather than established fora where they can sustain their complaints with evidence, if they have any.