LenkaBula lauded for steering UNISA into a renaissance of African Thought at the Calabash Awards

The spotlight at this year’s Chancellor’s Calabash Awards shifted toward a different kind of leadership as the University of South Africa used the ceremony to celebrate the vision and influence of its Vice Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula. Although the evening featured tributes to several outstanding figures, it was LenkaBula’s steady guidance of the institution and her commitment to reshaping African scholarship that formed the emotional core of the event.

Held in Johannesburg, the ceremony brought together leaders from across the continent, academics, students and alumni. From the moment LenkaBula walked into the hall, the audience rose in recognition of her contribution to South Africa’s oldest distance learning institution. As the first woman to lead Unisa, her tenure has been defined by an insistence on excellence, inclusivity and the restoration of African intellectual traditions.

Taking the podium, LenkaBula reflected on the evolving role of African universities in a rapidly changing world. She said the Calabash Awards were never only about acknowledging achievement but also about reminding the continent of its intellectual responsibilities. According to her, the institution stands at a moment that demands renewed investment in knowledge creation, ethical leadership and community based learning.

LenkaBula spoke of the resilience of students who continue to pursue higher education despite economic and social pressures. She said their determination strengthens her belief that African universities must lead the way in producing scholarship grounded in local realities and capable of addressing global challenges. The theme of the event, Reclaiming Africas Intellectual Futures, echoed throughout her message as she encouraged academics and policymakers to protect and expand the continent’s knowledge systems.

Former president Thabo Mbeki, who serves as Unisa chancellor, praised LenkaBula for steering the institution with clarity and courage. He told the audience that the university’s one hundred and fifty year history had entered a new chapter under her leadership. Mbeki said the institution required strong human capital and adequate resources to fulfil its mission, and he commended LenkaBula for championing both academic integrity and social transformation.

Several speakers highlighted the initiatives she has introduced to strengthen research capacity, improve student support services and expand partnerships across Africa. They noted that her leadership had sparked renewed interest in the role of public universities in shaping democratic societies. Colleagues described her as a leader who listens, builds consensus and encourages open debate while remaining firm in her vision for the institution.

The awards ceremony also honoured individuals whose contributions to social justice and community development reflect the values LenkaBula advocates. Yet throughout the evening, it became clear that her presence symbolised the ideals the Calabash seeks to uphold. As applause rang out for each award recipient, attendees repeatedly returned to the significance of her guidance during a period marked by financial pressure, shifting student needs and national uncertainty.

In closing the event, LenkaBula thanked the academic community for its support and reaffirmed her belief that education remains one of the continent’s most powerful tools for transformation. She reminded the audience that the work of building a fair and equitable future requires collective effort and unwavering focus.

The ceremony ended on a hopeful note, with many guests expressing confidence that under LenkaBula’s leadership, Unisa will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence for generations to come.