Academic halls reverberate with rumours of Unisa Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng Lenkabula’s lavish spending habits. The drama of magnificence has sparked discussions about government accountability about spending.
Affluence and Extravagance
It has been widely reported that the University of South Africa (Unisa) spent over R285 000 on sheer curtains for the official residence of the vice-chancellor. However, this is only the beginning. According to reports, an eye-popping R8 thousand was spent on vacuum sweeper training, while almost R600,000 was invested in new flooring. That’s it? A jaw-dropping approximately R2 million for a Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d.
Separate Checks
There has been criticism of the university’s lavish expenditure on the vice chancellor’s perks. Prof. Themba Mosia, an impartial evaluator, was hired by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to look into Unisa’s finances. Lenkabula’s R285 228 transparent drapes have Prof. Mosia’s undivided attention.
Professor Mosia inspected the updated Cloghereen home, as well as the vice chancellor’s new furnishings and appliances, during a recent visit. Intriguingly, Prof. Lenkabula hasn’t settled into her new home since her appointment in 2021.
Cost Structure Analysis
The university’s finances are painstakingly detailed in Prof. Mosia’s 300-page report:
- Total: R285 228 for sheer drapes; R8,000 for Hoover instruction.
- Materials for painters: R220 685
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d: R1.9 million ($100,000 / $1,200,000).
- Prof. Lenkabula insisted on a 44 car, citing the need for it during her regional visits, despite previous vice-chancellors utilising Mercedes-Benz E class vehicles.
Extra costs, such as: were also listed in the report:
- Cost of R74,000 for AC
- Sinkhole: R29 000
- Cooktop, Glass, Gas, R19 000
- Price of an R3 000 mattress cover
- According to rumours, Lenkabula’s home improvement cost more than R3 million, but the government only gave him R1 million to spend on it.
Problems with Staffing
Reportedly, Prof. Lenkabula has asked for a total of nine new employees, including a chef, a director of social media, and many assistants, to work in her office. The expected price tag for the university’s expansion is R14 million.
Public Reactions and Unisa’s Reply
The inquiry is underway, Unisa said in a statement to the media and the public. The organisation stopped replying to reporters after that.
People’s reactions have been all over the map. Previous unfavourable stories have led some to think that Unisa and Prof. Lenkabula are targets of a larger conspiracy. Others, though, have lauded Lenkabula for his work to better the university environment at Unisa. The loudest detractors have questions about such lavish expenditure at a public university.
Academic life in South Africa has been rocked by the scandal surrounding Professor Lenkabula’s spending. It stresses the importance of being open and accountable with taxpayer money, which is especially important in the realm of education. A complete investigation is the only way to learn the truth about this lavish spending, which could have implications for academic and societal fiscal responsibility.
About the Author:
Edmore Nkosi is a riveting South African journalist, specializing in entertainment and current affairs. With his unique ability to blend pop culture with real-world events, Edmore has carved a niche in providing captivating narratives that resonate with a diverse readership.