Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), received an Award of Gratitude from Higher Health on 8 June 2026, recognising her meaningful contributions to student welfare.

Higher Health develops and implements a range of health, wellness and psychosocial services across 420 campus sites and in rural, informal and urban settings in all 52 districts across South Africa.

The VC’s global influence is rooted in her profound contributions to higher education. Under her leadership, Unisa thrives by advancing inclusive excellence and global knowledge.

The prestigious award recognises her pioneering work in student wellness and psychosocial support. Through strategic collaboration with Higher Health, she successfully integrated the Peer Educators Programme to promote peer wellbeing and mental health.

By reinforcing Higher Health’s mandate through the establishment of clinics, student funding and dedicated services for students with disabilities, the VC upholds a vital part of their partnership. This highlights her historic leadership and deep sense of humanity. By supporting and committing to world-class student support services, the university prioritises student welfare. The accolade truly reflects the VC’s relentless drive to cultivate an inclusive campus culture, firmly positioning Unisa as a leader in higher education.

The Higher Health Award of Gratitude honours leaders who demonstrate exceptional foresight, champion academic innovation and foster profound societal transformation within higher education. Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer of Higher Health, noted that the ongoing partnership continues to strengthen collective efforts across the post-school education and training sector.

This milestone underscores the institution’s success in executing student-centric initiatives. Under Prof LenkaBula’s leadership, Unisa continues to foster an environment where students are comprehensively nurtured and supported in all aspects of their lives.

Expanded services effectively bridge the gap for vulnerable individuals, granting every student an equitable opportunity to thrive and graduate, thanks to a solid, reliable infrastructure for physical, emotional and social health. 

 * By Nontsikelelo Ndebele, Communications Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement