Nkabane Monitoring Governance Issues at UNISA Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Nkabane Monitoring Governance Issues at UNISA Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations. The University of South Africa (Unisa), the continent’s largest open distance learning institution, is once again under the spotlight as troubling governance concerns resurface. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Nomasonto Nkabane, has assured stakeholders that her department is actively monitoring Unisa’s internal crises, and remains fully committed to restoring institutional stability and ethical governance.
Renewed Scrutiny Over Financial Irregularities at Unisa
Recent reports reveal that Donald Ndlovu, a senior director within Unisa’s asset and expenditure unit, has been suspended over allegations of misconduct. His alleged offence? Flagging a R500,000 expenditure linked to a Progressive Business Forum gala dinner attended by African National Congress (ANC) officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa. The gala, which took place in December of the previous year, included a table for 12 Unisa executives seated close to the President himself.
Ndlovu was suspended on 29 April 2025 for allegedly sharing the proof of payment with external parties. However, he strongly denies any wrongdoing and is now legally represented by AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, known for advocating for whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors.
AfriForum’s Response and Whistleblower Concerns
AfriForum, through its legal head Gerrie Nel, has called out Unisa’s action as a “clumsy attempt to silence whistleblowers and conceal financial malpractice.” The organisation believes that the university’s response highlights deeper issues around transparency, ethics, and accountability within South Africa’s higher education system.
This high-profile suspension of Donald Ndlovu is just one piece of a broader pattern of concern regarding Unisa governance. The university’s handling of whistleblowers and internal audits has prompted public outrage and concern from stakeholders across the country.
Previous Governance Controversies at Unisa
Notably, Ndlovu is the second senior executive to face suspension in relation to Unisa’s financial management controversies. In April 2024, Reshma Mathura, the then acting vice-principal for finance, supply chain management and business enterprise, and the institution’s chief financial officer (CFO), was also suspended. Despite undergoing multiple internal investigations and reportedly being cleared of wrongdoing, Mathura remains suspended, over a year later. Like Ndlovu, she too is being defended by AfriForum’s legal team.
These prolonged suspensions raise pressing concerns about due process, institutional fairness, and the broader implications for governance at Unisa.
Minister Nkabane Calls for Integrity and Due Process
While Minister Nkabane did not specifically mention the gala dinner scandal or address individual disciplinary actions, her recent statement underlines a critical reminder: South Africa’s public higher education institutions must uphold integrity, fairness, and good governance. She stressed that while accountability must be pursued, disciplinary processes must be fair, transparent, and rooted in justice.
Her ministry confirmed that it is in ongoing communication with the Unisa council and management, and has not ruled out the possibility of further intervention should the situation worsen.
Widespread Calls for Transparency and Reform
Across the academic sector, stakeholders including staff unions, student bodies, and various civil society organisations, are voicing their concerns about Unisa’s leadership and financial oversight. Many are calling for an urgent review of the university’s governance framework to restore public confidence.
The Unisa governance crisis has become a focal point for broader discussions about ethical leadership in South African higher education. With over 400,000 students enrolled both locally and internationally, Unisa plays a pivotal role in delivering accessible education. Therefore, any risk to its credibility directly impacts the future of distance learning and academic opportunity on the continent.
Department of Higher Education Committed to Oversight
Minister Nkabane reiterated her commitment to actively monitoring developments at Unisa. Her department, she stated, would continue its oversight role to ensure that governance standards are enforced, and that the university upholds its obligations to students, staff, and the South African public.
The financial mismanagement allegations currently rocking Unisa have become a litmus test for the country’s ability to hold academic institutions accountable while protecting the rights of whistleblowers and ensuring due process.
What Lies Ahead for Unisa?
As investigations unfold, attention will remain firmly fixed on the university’s next moves. Will Unisa take tangible steps to rebuild stakeholder trust? Will whistleblowers like Donald Ndlovu be vindicated, or will more senior staff members face similar consequences?
The Ministry’s firm stance on governance, combined with pressure from the public and watchdog groups like AfriForum, may finally push South Africa’s largest university to adopt long-overdue reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Donald Ndlovu and why was he suspended?
Donald Ndlovu is a senior Unisa official who was suspended after reportedly exposing a questionable R500,000 expense related to a gala dinner. He denies any misconduct and is being defended by AfriForum.
What is AfriForum’s role in the Unisa governance issue?
AfriForum is legally representing whistleblowers like Ndlovu and Mathura. They have criticised Unisa’s actions as an attempt to silence transparency efforts.
Is the Department of Higher Education intervening in Unisa’s affairs?
Yes, Minister Nkabane confirmed that the department is closely monitoring the university’s actions and is in continuous engagement with Unisa’s council and management.
