Minister of Higher education and Training Blade Nzimande has placed Africa’s oldest university, Unisa under administration.

Nzimande announced his decision on Monday following a report by independent assessor Themba Mosia, which revealed serious financial and other maladministration at the university.

The assessor found that the university lacked proper governance, and was riddled with maladministration and corruption-related issues.

The minister said he trusted that the appointment of an administrator was in the best interest of the university.

Departmental spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said a ministerial task team (MTT) conducted an independent review of the university’s mission drift, which had massive implications on the financial sustainability and future of Unisa.

“The MTT also made rigorous assessments on how the fourth industrial revolution and its associative disruptions and shifts will affect many aspects of the academic mission, academic programmes, market, and operating model of Unisa,” said Mnisi.

The university recently celebrated 150 years of existence, and milestone.

Speaking at that celebration in June, the minister said for the iconic institution to celebrate an additional 150 years, it needed to address the challenges it faced.

The decision by Nzimande amplified a court bid to declare the university council null and void filed by the institution’s former registrar, Prof. Steward Mothata.

He had claimed it was no longer properly constituted following the resignation of several members.
He, himself was axed by vice-chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula on June 27 and sought several other orders which included directing Nzimande to appoint an administrator for Unisa within 15 days.

Mosia made 26 recommendations to Nzimande in a 308-page report which included that Unisa be placed under full administration and the council and management be relieved of their duties.