The University of South Africa (UNISA) continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s premier open distance e-learning institution, with Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula at the forefront of strategic advancements. Recent developments highlight a university actively expanding its research capabilities, international partnerships, and commitment to sustainable education, serving close to 400,000 students and contributing significantly to continental progress.
LenkaBula’s leadership emphasizes practical outcomes that align with national and global priorities. In November 2025, UNISA finalized a major collaboration with Canada’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and iThemba LABS, focusing on nuclear sciences, innovation, and academic exchanges. This agreement opens doors for joint research projects and student mobility, enhancing UNISA’s role in cutting-edge fields. LenkaBula described the partnership as a step toward “advancing knowledge for shared benefit,” reflecting her focus on collaborative growth.
This initiative follows a series of high-impact events hosted by UNISA. The 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Studentpreneurs Indaba and Lekgotla provided a platform for students to showcase ventures in sustainable technology and green business models. Attendees from across South Africa engaged with industry leaders, gaining insights into entrepreneurship that support economic development. LenkaBula’s involvement ensured the event prioritized inclusive innovation, equipping participants with tools for real-world application.
UNISA’s academic standing remains robust, with the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings scoring 66.3 and placing the university in the global top quartile for quality education, gender equality, and decent work. These results stem from consistent investments in research and teaching excellence. The institution produced 65,000 graduates this year, including 512 PhDs, representing a substantial portion of South Africa’s higher education output and bolstering the national skills base.
LenkaBula has also prioritized STEM advancement. Hosting the African Astronomical Society Conference earlier in 2025 brought together experts to explore space science opportunities, fostering networks that position Africa as a contributor to global astronomy. Her address highlighted UNISA’s support for underrepresented scholars in these disciplines, promoting broader participation.
Public engagement forms another key pillar. LenkaBula’s keynote at the Higher Education Resource Services-South Africa (HERS-SA) event inspired emerging women leaders with strategies for academic advancement. Her participation in the G20 Community Outreach program reinforced UNISA’s alignment with themes of solidarity and sustainable development. Additionally, the third Kairos Public Lecture, featuring discussions with Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, allowed LenkaBula to share expertise on ethical leadership and social justice, drawing on her theological background.
Professional development receives focused attention through interactions like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) monitoring visit to UNISA’s College of Accounting Sciences. These engagements ensure programs meet industry standards, preparing graduates for successful careers. Upcoming highlights include the Founders’ Lecture with economist Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, set to address sustainability and inequality, further elevating UNISA’s intellectual profile.
Financial management supports these efforts, with unqualified audits confirming sound governance. This stability enables ongoing enhancements to digital platforms, improving access for diverse learners, including those in rural areas and working professionals. LenkaBula’s vision for a multilingual, decolonial approach integrates indigenous languages into resources, making education more relevant and inclusive.
Research productivity continues to grow, with increasing numbers of National Research Foundation-rated scholars. Partnerships extend to areas like climate action and fourth industrial revolution technologies, positioning UNISA as a forward-thinking institution. LenkaBula’s reappointment for a second term, effective January 2026, provides continuity for these initiatives, allowing sustained implementation of her strategic framework.
Stakeholders across higher education recognize UNISA’s contributions. The university’s scale enables mass access to quality learning, producing professionals in critical sectors such as teaching, law, and public service. LenkaBula’s emphasis on pan-African collaboration, evident in ties with institutions across the continent, strengthens UNISA’s regional influence.
As UNISA builds on its 150-year legacy, LenkaBula’s guidance focuses on adaptability and excellence. Initiatives in AI-integrated learning and sustainable development prepare students for emerging challenges. The institution’s consistent performance in rankings and partnerships signals a vibrant future, with LenkaBula steering toward greater impact in education and research.
In an evolving landscape, UNISA under LenkaBula exemplifies how large-scale distance education can drive transformation. With ongoing projects and a clear direction, the university remains a vital asset for South Africa and beyond.