Governance

As Africa's largest open distance learning institution, Unisa prides itself on its sound and transparent corporate governance. In an effort to systematically inculcate this level of corporate governance in the institution, establishing Unisa as a leader in sound corporate governance features as a key goal in the university's strategy.

While areas like ethics and conflict management are managed by a series of policies and processes, the process of governing the university as a whole is managed by the Unisa Council.

Council governs the university in accordance with the law and generally recognised principles of good governance.

In addition, Council also:

provides effective leadership based on an ethical foundation
retains full and effective control over the university and is responsible for monitoring management in respect of implementation of plans and strategies
ensures that the university is and is seen to be a responsible corporate citizen in its governance function
determines the strategic direction of the university
plays a critical role in developing of the strategic plan of the university
is responsible for information technology governance
approves the policies of the university
develops a code of conduct

Members of Unisa Council

Chairperson	Dr NM Phosa
Deputy Chairperson	Dr S Mokone-Matabane
Principal & Vice-Chancellor Ex officio	Prof MS Makhanya
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Ex officio	Prof N Baijnath
Board of trustees – Unisa Foundation	Dr M Arnold
Non-Academic staff	Mr R Bezuidenhout Ms M Lengane
Appointed by Council	Mr AA da Costa Mr SP du Toit Mr V Kahla Ms N Mapetla Dr ES Jacobson Dr RH Stumpf Mr F Marupen
Academic staff (non-Senate)	Dr ZL Jansen (From Sept 2012) Prof PH Potgieter (From Sept 2012)
Chairperson of the SBL Board Ex officio	Ms XE Shemane-Diseko
Co-opted by Council	Mr SP du Toit
Appointed by Minister of Education	Ms JA Glennie Mr E Motala Mr S Zungu
Senate representatives	Prof MJ Linington Prof VA Clapper
University Registrar and the Secretary of Council	Prof Mogege Mosimege
SRC representative	Mr S Mhlungu Mr G Mathonsi
President of the Convocation	Dr C von Eck
Representative of the Convocation	Mr BP Vundla
Senate representatives	Prof M Linington Prof V Clapper
Local government representative	Councillor S Pillay
Vice-Principals (in attendance)	Prof RM Setati (Research and Innovation) Mr Adrian Robinson (Finance and University Estates) Prof BJ Erasmus (Operations) Dr M Qhobela (Institutional Development) Prof MC Maré (Teaching and Learning) Prof D Singh (Advisory and Assurance Services)
Committee Services (Rendering the secretarial service to Council)	Mr KJ Mashamaite (Manager) Mr TE Netshidzati (Senior Committee Officer)