The University of South Africa (Unisa) has reappointed Professor Puleng LenkaBula as Principal and Vice-Chancellor for a second term. This decision was announced by the University’s council during a meeting on Monday, December 09, 2024. Professor LenkaBula, the first woman to hold this position in Unisa’s 151-year history, began her first term on January 01, 2021. Her second term will commence in January 2026, for a further five years. In a media statement released on Monday, the university said the…

South Africa has officially assumed the G20 Presidency, launching its term under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” At a press conference held in Cape Town on December 03, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the priorities of this historic presidency, which is the first time an African nation will lead the G20. Ramaphosa emphasised the need for solidarity to address global challenges, highlighting their impact on all nations. He called for dismantling economic and social inequalities, which he described as unjust…

The legal dispute between consulting company Isiphethu Engineers and water utility Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) has taken another turn. The engineering company has filed court papers challenging LNW’s decision to advertise the multi-million rand contract for consulting engineering services for the R4 billion Giyani Bulk Water Project, saying the move is unlawful. Earlier this month, LNW advertised in the government’s tender bulletin a tender for “Professional Service Provider for Giyani Water Serviced Projet (rm08), with December 3 as the closing…

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has honoured nine esteemed anti-apartheid activists and distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions to societal development at the prestigious UNISA Chancellor’s Calabash Awards ceremony, held at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton. Introduced in 2007, the awards celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of UNISA alumni and other individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Speaking at the event, former South African President and UNISA Chancellor, Dr. Thabo Mbeki, highlighted the importance of the awards. “The…

The University of South Africa (UNISA) and the North West Department of Education are collaborating on a pilot program to empower high school learners to make informed career choices as early as Grade 9. This initiative was discussed during a meeting convened by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, with senior management of the North West Department of Education and representatives from UNISA, led by the President of the UNISA Convocation, Justice Dabampe, on November 19. In a…

The Deputy Director of the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, Mmapitsi Virginia Seate appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 13, facing 54 counts of fraud related to falsified travel expense claims.  According to a joint statement by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Seate (51) was arrested earlier in the day by the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. Her arrest follows an investigation into alleged fraudulent…

Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu, has left the EFF to join the recently formed Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party. In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Thursday morning, Mpofu said he is joining the MK Party because it represents a broader vision for decolonization and total liberation. Mpofu explained that he believes the MK Party is best positioned to bring about the unity he envisions for South Africa. “I am of the view…

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has commended the University of South Africa (UNISA) for achieving an unqualified audit opinion in the 2022/23 financial year. In video footage released earlier this week, ACDP President Reverend Kenneth Meshoe said the achievement is a testament to the integrity of the university’s leadership. The ACDP Member of Parliament’s stamp of approval comes after the world’s largest distance learning institution’s financial management received a clean bill of health from the Auditor General. Unisa also…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticized members of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet for allegedly lacking executive accountability, claiming they have failed to adequately respond to parliamentary questions. Julius Malema’s party said Cabinet ministers had failed to respond to half of the questions within the stipulated time. In some instances, they did not even bother entertaining written questions from Members of Parliament.  In a statement released on Tuesday, November 05th, the EFF accused GNU Ministers…

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been voted out after ruling the country for 58 years since independence from Britain in 1966. The BDP lost the 2024, general elections, held on October 30, to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), marking a historic shift in Botswana’s political landscape. On November 1, President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat, announcing his support for the incoming President, Duma Gideon Boko of the UDC, during a press briefing in Gaborone. Masisi also stated that he…