The University of South Africa (Unisa) has come under scrutiny after reports revealed that it spent an exorbitant amount of over R285 000 on curtains for the official residence of its vice-chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, while an external company, enlisted at a later stage to compare prices, provided a quote of R20 630.
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Professor Themba Mosia, an independent assessor appointed by higher education minister Blade Nzimande in September 2022 to probe Unisa’s affairs, said he was ‘very much interested to see the quality of these curtains.’
According to Times Live, Professor Mosia visited the residence of the vice chancellor, known as Cloghereen, to investigate the renovations, new furniture and appliances that were bought and exceeded R3 million.
The professor revealed that Unisa had expended a staggering sum on sheer curtains. He said, ‘The university paid R285,228 for the procurement of curtains. I was surprised to find sheer curtains.’
In his comprehensive 308-page report, the professor also notes that R8 000 was claimed for training on how to operate a vacuum cleaner, and despite the carpeting being limited to the staircase, the remaining floors within the house were either tiled or wooden flooring.
‘It therefore raises questions as to why the university would spend so much money on training for an appliance that can only be used on the staircase,’ he said.
Unisa made a payment of R220 685 to purchase ‘painting items’ while an external company provided three quotes for the same products at the cost of R105 248, R108 248 and R115 848.
‘The VC has yet to move into her official residence since her appointment in January 2021,’ said the professor.
When inquired about her anticipated move into Cloghereen, the vice chancellor informed Professor Mosia that the council had given her assurance regarding the installation of a security system for her family’s safety after her life was threatened, ‘including her and her daughter’s violation.’
Professor Mosia proposed 26 measures to Nzimande to address the situation at Unisa. According to his report, he said that he would refrain from assigning blame solely to the vice chancellor regarding the occupancy of the property due to the evident safety and security concerns she faced. But he emphasised that it still reflects a governance failure on the part of the council to demonstrate a seemingly carefree attitude towards both the VC’s safety and security and the financial expenditures related to the property that went unused.
During his interviews with staff members, Professor Mosia discovered that LenkaBula had actively engaged in the renovation process. She visited the site and provided input on specific changes, such as requesting a new headboard, mattress, and curtains instead of utilising the existing ones that required dry cleaning.
‘The VC’s secretary provided samples of what was required and insisted on a specific make of electrical appliances that were not always available in South Africa and had to be imported,’ the report stated.
But during an interview with Professor Masia, LenkaBula denied any involvement in the operational processes, except in instances, ‘For expressing disquiet about procurement that was not value for money.’
Among the numerous concerns raised, Professor Mosia highlighted the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d for LenkaBula at a cost of R1.9 million, exceeding the allocated budget of R1.2 million.
When questioned about the excessiveness of the amount, LenkaBula justified the purchase by stating that it was in accordance with a council decision made prior to her assumption of duty, as part of her remuneration package.
Professor Mosia expressed that the procurement of a luxury vehicle at a cost of nearly R2 million appeared extravagant, especially when considering that LenkaBula’s predecessors had cars that were significantly less costly.
He said, ‘In my view, the VC should be afforded the dignity that corresponds with the office that she holds.
‘But given the difficult financial situation that thousands of Unisa students have to endure on a daily basis, a degree of frugality by the VC would have gone far in conveying a message of a compassionate leader that occupies a position to serve, rather than to be showered with luxuries that most of them would not be able to afford.’
The objective of Professor Mosia’s investigation was to provide Minister Nzimande with counsel regarding the origin and nature of the issues afflicting Unisa, as well as the necessary actions to reinstate effective governance and management practices.
Unisa acknowledged receipt of Professor Mosia’s report and released a statement on its website, ‘The University of South Africa (Unisa), confirms that it received the Independent Assessor’s Report into the Affairs of Unisa (the Report) on Friday, 12 May 2023.
‘As per the directive of the Minister of DHET, Dr Blade Nzimande, Unisa has been given 14 days to respond to the Report. In the next few days, the university will be studying the Report with the aim of responding within the stipulated timeframe.’
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