On 4 February 2026, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), led an engagement welcoming newly appointed adjunct professors across all colleges at the university.

In his welcoming address, Bongani Ndaba, Executive Director: Human Resources, acknowledged the VC’s passion for the adjunct academics initiative, which is well known across all higher education institutions. Addressing the new appointees, he emphasised the importance of making the most of the opportunity, given that it is a remarkable stepping stone for early-career academics. "It is a transition to greatness, especially considering that certain careers do not start in a structured manner, but rather unfold in unprecedented ways," he said.

(From left) Bongani Ndaba, Executive Director: Human Resources, Prof Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, and Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Acting Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation

Taking the podium, the VC acknowledged the role of the Institutional Development Portfolio, led by its Vice-Principal, Prof Solomon Magano, in advocating for the institutionalisation of the adjunct academics initiative.

"The process," she explained, "consists of four aspects, namely development, reinforcement of accountability and responsibility towards the university’s mission and its impact in society and the continent, commitment to upholding Unisa standards across the globe as a national science diplomat, and encouraging high-quality research without necessarily utilising artificial intelligence." Regarding the latter aspect, the VC said that although the university uses AI technology as an aid to teaching and learning, it can also hinder research competence.

Concluding, the VC embraced the presence of the new appointees and urged them to make use of the university’s resources. "Unisa is led not just by the Office of the Vice-Principal, but by a collective of leaders who put their hearts and minds into strengthening the institution," she said.

The well-attended engagement session was held in the ZK Matthews Great Hall at the university's Muckleneuk Campus 

Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Acting Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, explained the role his portfolio plays in providing a platform for research, innovation and commercialisation. "The portfolio," he said, "through its Research Department, assists academics by assessing their theses and reviewing how their submissions can impact society."

Ngoepe further mentioned that the university’s publishing arm, Unisa Press, is the largest university press in Africa and helps academics to disseminate their high-quality research in journals that reach both African and international audiences.

Representatives from various other portfolios provided insight into their departments, outlining key functions and their contributions to the university’s broader mandate.

Giving the vote of thanks, Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director: Department of Institutional Advancement, called for better research outputs across all departments and the enhancement of teaching and learning.

 * By Moleboheng Mpafa, Nontsikelelo Ndebele, and Victor Malatji, Communication Interns, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre