Unisa’s vision extends beyond student success, as reflected each year at the retirees' meeting. Held on 8 May 2026 at the Muckleneuk Campus, this year’s annual retirees meeting upheld the institution's legacy of honouring and promoting ongoing fellowship among retirees and the institution.

In his opening remarks, Chairperson of the Association of Unisa Retirees, Johann Muller, welcomed everyone present and highlighted the importance of the gathering in strengthening the relationship between the institution and its former colleagues.

Chairperson of the Association of Unisa Retirees, Johann Muller

Delivering her message, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, acknowledged the retirees and the contributions they have made to the institution. Notably, she assured them that although they have stepped away from active employment, they remain a valued part of the Unisa family. Equally, she remarked on how the Department of Institutional Advancement constantly reminds them of the former staff's inspiration in strengthening Unisa year after year, particularly in research, engaged scholarship, and teaching and learning mandates.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

"For us, you are not just retirees," she said, "you are the people who created strong legacies that make this university continue being a great asset to our society."

Commenting on stewardship grounded in sound governance, she noted that the university’s governance architecture remains intact. Building on this, she referenced the Senate, the Student Representative Council, and many other entities that serve as evidence that the institution's ethical commitments are still upheld. She reassured retirees that pension management remains secure and is administered with integrity despite the current economic volatility.

Reflecting on the achievements of the university since 2021, LenkaBula noted that Unisa continues to grow and adapt in a complex national and global higher education environment. Consequently, she highlighted the consistent production of thousands of graduates annually, the rise from 12^th place to being in the top five in both the international and Department of Higher Education and Training rankings, the acquisition of an airport, the enhancement of teaching and learning through the acquisition of an experimental farm, and the steady growth of research output in both volume and impact.

On this basis, she highlighted that a notable symbol of the research maturity is Unisa’s current core leadership, together with the University of Namibia, in the development of the Africa Millimetre Telescope. This initiative positions Africa within the most advanced global scientific networks.

Furthermore, LenkaBula emphasised the improved accountability and ethical governance since 2021; she stated that the institution has achieved consecutive unqualified audit outcomes. "We are working towards clean audits to lay the foundation for long-term sustainability," she affirmed.

In conclusion, she commended former staff for serving as Unisa ambassadors and stated that their professional experience and ethical grounding remain invaluable assets to the institution. “May this annual meeting strengthen the bonds of collegiality and affirm our shared confidence in the future of Unisa."

Giving his message of support, the Vice Principal: Institutional Development, Prof Solomon Magano, expressed that the gathering stands as a powerful reminder that Unisa’s story is not only written in its present achievements, but is firmly anchored in the legacy that the retirees continue to embody. As such, he underscored the vital role of retired colleagues in sustaining the university's credibility, reputation and moral authority.

Prof Solomon Magano, Vice Principal: Institutional Development

Reinforcing the principle at the heart of the institutional ethos, Magano maintained that retirees are not peripheral to the university’s ecosystem. "Your contributions continue to reverberate through our teaching, research governance and public engagement," he concluded.

The meeting proceedings included a presentation from Moso Consulting Services, as well as two virtual presentations from the National Tertiary Retirement Fund and the University of South Africa Retirement Fund. In reviewing the previous year’s minutes, Muller announced his retirement and thanked the university for its support throughout his tenure, expressing the hope that the newly appointed executive member would receive the same. 

* By Moleboheng Mpafa, Communication Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Unisa Multimedia Centre