Unisa’s Inherited Instability

The University of South Africa (Unisa), the continent’s largest open-distance learning institution, has long been regarded as a beacon of access to education. However, in recent years, the institution has found itself at the center of ongoing challenges that many describe as Unisa’s inherited instability. These issues are not simply a result of recent events but are deeply rooted in its historical and structural foundations.

Unisa’s unique role as a mass university—serving hundreds of thousands of students both within South Africa and abroad—comes with opportunities but also heavy burdens. Its size and mandate of widening access have often stretched resources, leading to recurring administrative inefficiencies. Problems such as delays in examination marking, online system failures, and slow student support services highlight operational weaknesses that have persisted across leadership terms. These patterns suggest that the instability is inherited, carried from one generation of management to the next without sustainable solutions.

Governance has been another major concern. Frequent disputes between management, councils, and labor unions have left Unisa vulnerable to internal conflict. Leadership transitions are often marred by accusations of mismanagement or financial misappropriation, reinforcing the perception that the institution is stuck in a cycle of instability. Instead of moving forward, new administrations often spend significant time addressing unresolved crises left behind by their predecessors.

The instability also affects Unisa’s reputation. While the institution continues to enroll massive numbers of students, questions are increasingly being raised about the quality of education, accreditation issues, and the ability of graduates to compete globally. These concerns are amplified by government interventions, audits, and reports pointing to governance lapses. For many observers, these recurring issues reflect not just temporary dysfunction but a structural inheritance that has yet to be fully addressed.

Yet, Unisa’s role in higher education remains vital. Its open-distance model ensures that thousands of students—many from disadvantaged backgrounds—gain access to university education. Reforming the institution, therefore, is not just a matter of organizational survival but also a national priority. To overcome its inherited instability, Unisa needs bold leadership committed to long-term structural reforms, improved accountability, and investment in digital infrastructure.

Unisa’s challenges highlight an important lesson for South African higher education: when unresolved problems are continually passed on, they become institutionalized. Breaking the cycle of instability will require both internal will and external support to ensure that the university continues to serve as a gateway to opportunity rather than a symbol of recurring dysfunction.