The University of South Africa (Unisa) has officially launched the 2026 academic year with a resounding commitment to grounding future scholarship in African history, innovation, and purpose.
The Official Academic Opening Ceremony, held on 12 February 2026 at the ZK Matthews Great Hall, brought together leadership, scholars, and portfolio heads to chart a renewed intellectual trajectory for the continent under the theme: “Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures for the Next 150 Years and Beyond.”
Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Trajectory
The statutory event rallied the university community to reflect on achievements and outline strategic directions for the year. This year’s ceremony also provided a platform to celebrate high achievers through excellence awards presented by portfolio heads.
In his address, Unisa Council Chairperson Dr. Dan Mosia emphasized that the theme views education as a vital producer of knowledge and science, actively shaping societies.
“Leadership is designed for such times as one needs to be decisive and act with courage during challenging times,” Dr. Mosia stated, highlighting turbulent changes in the higher education landscape.
Dr. Mosia further outlined the Council’s commitment to:
- Governance and Financial Sustainability: Pursuing clean audit outcomes to support the academic project.
- Academic Excellence: Deepening the research culture and nurturing talent through catalytic niche areas critical to Africa’s future.
A Call for Agility and Transformation
Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, opened the ceremony by emphasizing collective contribution toward quality education and student support. Reflecting on her journey as the first woman to lead the institution, she urged leadership to uphold the principles of transformation.
Quoting Ayi Kwei Armah, the VC called on the university to actively resist the stereotypes of negating the struggles of liberation. “We will work together with anyone who is committed to making sure that we don’t become the very stereotypes that Ayi Kwei Armah speaks about,” she said.
Key highlights from the VC’s address included:
- Strengthening Academics: Appointing adjunct academics to enhance teaching, assessment, and curriculum development.
- Focus on Transformation: Supporting those on the economic margins to thrive.
- Commitment to Respect and Innovation: Calling for a listening management to create an agile, competitive university geared toward realizing the continent’s 2063 aspirations.
