The University of South Africa (UNISA) is facing renewed scrutiny after the suspension of senior finance officials who allegedly exposed irregular expenditure — including R500,000 reportedly spent on an ANC-linked gala dinner. The growing scandal has prompted Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane to confirm that her department is actively monitoring the institution.
In a statement released on Monday, Minister Nkabane said:
“The Department of Higher Education and Training is closely monitoring the situation and will engage with UNISA to address any governance and operational shortcomings.”
Whistle-Blowers Suspended for Exposing ANC Gala Payment
The latest suspended official is suspected of downloading the proof of payment for the R500,000 used to fund the attendance of 10 UNISA executives at a high-profile ANC event in Cape Town in 2023. The move follows earlier cases, including that of Donald Ndlovu, a senior finance manager placed on “cautionary suspension” in April.
AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, led by Advocate Gerrie Nel, has taken on Ndlovu’s case and suspects his suspension is retaliation for whistle-blowing rather than any proven misconduct.
“We have developed a theory of why our client was suspended, and it is not in relation to the ANC dining experience,” said Nel. “We await the supposed ‘evidence’ to support this drastic step.”
Pattern of Suspensions Raises Governance Concerns
This case mirrors that of Dr Reshma Mathura, UNISA’s acting vice principal of finance, who has remained on suspension for over a year despite being cleared in multiple investigations. AfriForum believes Mathura’s suspension stems from her cooperation with the Hawks in a corruption probe into financial malfeasance at the institution.
Spokesperson Barry Bateman said:
“There is an observable pattern of silencing whistle-blowers. These actions paint a picture of an institution protecting those at the top while punishing those who expose wrongdoing.”
UNISA Remains Silent Amid Mounting Pressure
Attempts to obtain comment from UNISA were unsuccessful at the time of publication, as calls for accountability intensify. Minister Nkabane’s involvement follows long-standing concerns around governance at UNISA, an institution previously flagged for poor financial oversight and internal conflict.
AfriForum’s ongoing legal involvement suggests the matter could soon escalate into court challenges, especially if no disciplinary resolution or transparency is offered.
A Test for Public Trust in Higher Education Governance
The unfolding saga poses a broader question about governance, transparency, and retaliation in South Africa’s higher education system. As the ANC-linked expenditure casts a shadow over the university’s credibility, stakeholders — including students, academic staff, and civil society — are calling for urgent reform and whistle-blower protections.
