- Whistleblowers say R200-million was spent on legal battles to fight personal wars and fire staff who spoke up.
- One claim alleges R500,000 was paid to bribe someone to invent sexual harassment charges against a whistleblower.
Unisa Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula is fighting for her job after being hit with serious corruption allegations.
A 47-page document submitted to the government paints a picture of a university being looted from the inside.
The report accuses LenkaBula of fraud, mismanagement and abusing her power since taking office in 2021.
Big money is involved.
The document claims an R82-million security tender was handed to a senior official without following the rules. It says this is part of a pattern where politically connected people get rich, CityPress reported.
Whistleblowers also allege that the university wasted R200-million on legal fees. They say LenkaBula used this money to fight personal battles and get rid of staff who stood up to her.
One claim involves a R500,000 “settlement”.
The report says this money was used to bribe someone to lie about sexual harassment to destroy a whistleblower’s reputation.
Former registrar Steward Mothata says the environment is toxic.
“Every time when some of us have different opinions on any matter, we are labelled as ‘misogynists’,” he said.
The report also points fingers at Council Chair Dan Mosia. It claims the council protects LenkaBula instead of doing its job.
There are even claims that honorary doctorates were given to judges to influence legal cases in her favour.
These claims come just as LenkaBula’s contract is up for renewal in January 2026. The report calls for the Hawks and the SIU to step in immediately.
Pictured above: Unisa Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula.
Image source: Unisa
