Unisa reappoints Professor Puleng LenkaBula for a second term as Vice-Chancellor

Unisa Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula’s reappointment for a second term is a testament to her hard work and dedication, which has contributed to stabilising the institution’s reputation, administrative processes and teaching and learning.

That is according to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Tebogo Letsie following the announcement by the university’s council that LenkaBula will continue serving as the institution’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor for another five years, effective 1 January 2026.

“Her reappointment underscores her ability to excel in a field traditionally dominated by men, marking a significant milestone for gender equality in leadership across South African universities.”

“We urge the university community to rally behind Professor LenkaBula as she continues to shape Unisa into a highly respected institution and one of South Africa’s leading universities,” he said.

LenkaBula was appointed as the first woman Principal and Vice-Chancellor in the university’s almost 150 year-history in January 2021.

Unisa Council Chairperson, Dr Dan Mosia said: “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.”

On her reappointment LenkaBula said: “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”.

Cape Times