Public protector probes governance and spending allegations at Unisa

The University of South Africa is being investigated by the Public Protector over governance and spending allegations. Picture: Supplied Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s office has confirmed receipt of a complaint and that the allegations were being investigated. “Our investigation team is actively assessing submissions and independently verifying the information received from all relevant parties.

This process includes evaluating evidence and applying the appropriate legal framework before any findings can be finalised” the office said in reply. The Citizenhas seen a detailed submission dated February 2025, in which former registrar Prof Steward Mothata accuses the university’s council and executive management of operating outside the law, misusing public funds and fostering a culture of intimidation. “As an alumnus and a former lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor and registrar of the university, I am deeply concerned about the impact of these unsavoury activities on the university, its staff, and the students it serves.

“The unlawful functioning of the council undermines governance and accountability. Equally so, the unfair treatment of personnel creates a climate of fear and intimidation, as highlighted in the assessor’s report. A staff member crafted it very well in the assessor’s report,” Mothata said.

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At the root of the formal complaint is the claim that Unisa’s council has been functioning without a legal quorum since June 2023, after the resignation of several external members. TheHigher Education Actrequires at least 60% of council members be external to the institution, a threshold the complainant says was no longer met. Despite this, the council allegedly continued to take decisions and approve expenditures.

Mothata said he was suspended shortly after raising concerns about the council’s legality, adding the move was intended to silence objections and allow governance processes to go unchecked. His submission also details alleged irregular and wasteful spending, including a R500 000 payment for a table at a political gala dinner in January last year.

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