Prof Puleng LenkaBula (seated, centre) with programme participants, dignitaries and Unisa management
Held on 8 December 2025, the Unisa Institutional, Research, Teaching and Engaged Scholarship Excellence Awards celebrated the university's cream of the crop, affirming their excellence in contributing to the university's core business and strategic objectives, as well as their impact on society.
In her welcome address, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), provided context for the event, remarking that the university’s long-term strategy (2030) aims to position Unisa as a centre of academic excellence. "It is not only aimed at showcasing ourselves and excellence that is pursued, but it also seeks to position us as a truly Pan-African university shaping futures in the service of humanity, as well as expressing the best of Africa’s intellectual futures," she said.
For LenkaBula, the university also attends to the geopolitical, economic, social and ecological contexts regarding which South Africa, the African continent and the globe deserve the best knowledge and research to support. She asserted that the consolidated awards enable the university to have a holistic sense of the pulse of innovation and academic excellence, ensuring that Unisa is a partner to society. Additionally, the VC stated that the awards provide a comprehensive view of the university’s imagining of the future through knowledge, research and continued efforts in learning.
Prof Puleng LenkaBula
"These awards celebrate excellence, innovation and global impact," LenkaBula continued. "I am very proud of the work in which you have invested, including your investment in the students. Coming from an august African university, you must ensure that your contribution is tremendous and valuable to society and human civilisation." She also acknowledged the resilience and sacrifices that the awardees had to make to achieve their goals.
The VC explained that some of the awardees had already been recognised by, for instance, the National Research Foundation (NRF), for their excellent work, while some scholars are conducting research in areas of great demand, thus addressing existing research gaps. "I am truly appreciative of the tremendous progress that scholars have made in our university," she said.
Continuing, LenkaBula highlighted the increased number of academics who have obtained doctoral degrees, having moved from 39% to over 67% since her tenure as VC.
Further, LenkaBula defined Unisa as a home of leaders, including liberation leaders who made education an important asset prior to democracy – a place where knowledge is an asset that resources the future, even in the aftermath of Covid-19, to ensure continuity of quality higher education.
The awards ceremony comprised several categories with various sub-categories under each. These included the following:
Delivering the vote of thanks and closing remarks, Dr Matsheliso Molapo, Unisa’s Acting Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, stated that the awards demonstrate Unisa’s scholarly capacity that is dynamic, diverse and deeply rooted in service to humanity and the nation. She concluded: "Each award presented tonight is a testament to discipline, resilience, and unyielding pursuit of excellence."
* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement
** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Unisa Multimedia Office
Publish date: 2025-12-10 00:00:00.0
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