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 decision by the Unisa Council is in line with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 in South Africa, which allows a university principal to be reappointed for a second consecutive term after their first term expires.
Speaking on behalf of the Unisa Council, Chairperson Dr. Dan Mosia commended her leadership.
“Council reaffirms its confidence in the leadership of Professor LenkaBula. She has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and stability at the institution and is ideally positioned to lead Unisa into its next chapter of growth and innovation.” said Dr Mosia
Professor LenkaBula’s first term has been marked by significant contributions to the institution’s academic excellence and global influence. Under her leadership, Unisa’s global ranking improved from 797th to 736th in 2024 on Webometrics, while maintaining its position as the 7th-best university in South Africa and ranking 6th in the country on the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for 2024.
She spearheaded strategic initiatives, including the establishment of 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) focusing on transformative sectors such as Marine Studies, 4IR, Energy, Biotechnology, and Women Empowerment, aligning with Africa’s developmental goals.
Professor LenkaBula also strengthened global partnerships, most notably with Fern University of Hagen in Germany. Her leadership ensured an unqualified audit opinion and an impressive growth in Unisa’s financial reserves, which increased from R8 billion in 2018 to over R16 billion by 2022.
Professor LenkaBula expressed her appreciation for the Council’s confidence in her leadership capabilities.
“I am deeply honoured and appreciative of the confidence expressed by the University Council in me. I am committed together with the University’s management to advancing the university’s mission of Shaping Africa’s Intellectual Futures and to continue to create opportunities for students and staff alike to succeed. I look forward to working closely with the various university communities, alumni and diverse stakeholders to bring this vision to life” said LenkaBula.
Professor LenkaBula’s tenure has been widely celebrated for fostering innovation and sustainability at Unisa. Her contributions have also been recognised through prestigious awards, such as the SAASSAP 2024 Presidency Lifetime Award, highlighting her influence and dedication to higher education in South Africa and the world.
