Under the leadership of Professor Puleng LenkaBula, the Unisa Lekgotla has concluded its strategic sessions with a firm commitment to “grounded excellence.” Moving away from aspirational planning, the university is now focusing on a research-driven execution framework designed to address structural bottlenecks and elevate student success.
The Data-Driven Pivot
A central theme of the 2026 summit was the move toward evidence-based governance. Dr. Letlhogonolo Marumolwa (Strategy, Risk, and Advisory Services) presented a sobering look at institutional gaps, specifically focusing on:
- Student Throughput: Analyzing access, success rates, and dropout statistics.
- NSFAS Impact: A direct mandate was issued to academics to investigate the failure rates of underprivileged students supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
- Agile Systems: Identifying and resolving “delayed programmes” that have historically hindered institutional performance.
Empowering the Next Generation
In a historic first, the Lekgotla provided a prominent platform for young academics. Rather than acting as passive observers, these emerging leaders were invited to critique and shape the university’s trajectory.
- Mentorship: Prof LenkaBula announced enhanced mentorship programs to support multigenerational leadership.
- Multidisciplinary Input: Contributions from diverse colleges are being compiled to be shared globally, showcasing Unisa’s contribution to societal development.
Celebrating Global Excellence
The event also served as a stage to celebrate Unisa’s international prestige:
- Astronomy Milestone: Distinguished Professor James Okwe Chibueze was honored for receiving the 2025 Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize for his pioneering work in high-mass star formation.
- Cultural Footprint: The VC encouraged the community to support Unisa’s international music competitions, which continue to bolster the university’s cultural influence worldwide.
The Road Ahead
The university has set a strict deadline of late March 2026 to finalize implementation plans. Facilitated by governance expert Morailane Morailane, the final sessions ensured that every department and college has clear timelines and measurable indicators to ensure that “student success” is not just a slogan, but a verified outcome.
