Nkabane says DHET monitoring UNISA developments after senior officials' reported suspension

JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane said her department is monitoring developments at the University of South Africa (UNISA), following the reported suspension of senior officials.

The university has been dogged by allegations of poor governance and financial mismanagement, with social media claims pointing to assets and expenditure director Donald Ndlovu as a key figure in the shake-up.

Nkabane's office said it’s working with the institution to address any operational failures.

The minister said that while details remain limited, the Department of Higher Education is taking the allegations seriously and is in direct talks with UNISA to stabilise the situation.

She’s also called for fairness, insisting due process must be followed and emphasised that the rights of whistleblowers and accused officials be respected.

“The department is closely monitoring the situation and will be engaging with the university and supporting it in addressing any governance and operational shortcomings,” said spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana.

Nkabane said UNISA remains a critical part of South Africa’s higher education system, and her department is committed to seeing it function effectively amid the current uncertainty.

For now, the university has not confirmed who has been suspended or why.