Unisa Executive and Leadership Team

Raphael Mpofu, the Chief Executive Officer at Unisa, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. Overseeing the academic and administrative trajectory, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to provide accessible education to nearly one-third of South African students. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving institutional growth across diverse fields such as law, science, and education. By fostering innovative teaching methodologies, Raphael Mpofu directly impacts the quality of distance education provided to local and international learners. Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and institutional excellence. Through rigorous oversight of university-wide initiatives, Mpofu maintains the status of the institution as a global leader in dedicated distance education, ensuring that all programs meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce and society at large.

Moleli Likeleli, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Unisa, manages the operational flow and executive communications within the university leadership. Coordinating high-level administrative functions, the Executive Director ensures that the strategic directives set by the executive office translate into actionable institutional policies. This role involves facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to support the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the African continent. By streamlining internal processes, Moleli Likeleli directly enhances the efficiency of the university's distance learning model. The Executive Director also monitors the implementation of community engagement projects, ensuring that the institution addresses critical societal challenges effectively. Through meticulous management of executive priorities, Likeleli supports the broader goal of maintaining the university's position as a premier provider of flexible learning opportunities. Ultimately, the Executive Director secures the operational stability required for sustained academic growth and professional development across all faculties.

Dimakatso Mosala, the Chief Financial Officer at Unisa, directs the fiscal strategy and resource allocation for the world's longest-standing dedicated distance education university. Overseeing the financial health of the institution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding supports innovative teaching, impactful research, and the expansion of short learning programs. This role involves managing complex budgetary requirements to sustain the university's role in educating nearly one-third of South African students. By implementing robust financial controls, Dimakatso Mosala directly impacts the long-term viability of the university's distance learning infrastructure. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align financial planning with the broader institutional mission of addressing societal challenges. Through strategic investment in technology and human capital, Mosala secures the resources necessary for academic excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal integrity required to support the university's extensive reach across the African continent and beyond.

Mduduzi Mabuza, the President at Unisa, directs the institutional governance and academic leadership of the world's longest-standing dedicated distance education university. Overseeing the university's commitment to innovative teaching and community engagement, the President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of higher education in Africa. This role involves representing the university to local and international stakeholders, advocating for the importance of flexible learning opportunities. By championing research initiatives that address societal challenges, Mduduzi Mabuza directly impacts the university's contribution to national and regional development. The President also works closely with the Board and executive team to define the long-term strategic direction of the institution. Through visionary leadership, Mabuza secures the university's reputation as a premier provider of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Ultimately, the President maintains the academic standards and institutional values necessary to support the diverse needs of students seeking professional development across the continent.

Zukile Mgolombane, the Chief of Staff at Unisa, architects the internal operational framework that supports the university's expansive distance education mission. Managing the daily activities of the executive office, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary resources and attention to succeed. This role involves bridging communication gaps between various departments, including science, law, and education, to foster a cohesive institutional culture. By optimizing administrative workflows, Zukile Mgolombane directly contributes to the efficiency of the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. The Chief of Staff also monitors the progress of key performance indicators, providing the leadership team with the data required for informed decision-making. Through proactive management of organizational priorities, Mgolombane facilitates the seamless execution of university-wide programs. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational alignment needed to serve the diverse needs of local and international students seeking flexible professional development.

Mathabo Nakene, the Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer at Unisa, architects the digital infrastructure essential for delivering distance education to a massive student population. Overseeing the university's technological ecosystem, the Chief Information Officer ensures that online learning platforms remain scalable, secure, and accessible to students across Africa. This role involves integrating advanced digital tools into the curriculum to support undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like science and law. By driving the digital transformation of the institution, Mathabo Nakene directly enhances the student experience and the effectiveness of remote teaching. The Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic leadership to implement innovative research technologies that address societal challenges. Through the strategic deployment of ICT resources, Nakene secures the technological foundation required for the university's continued growth. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the digital connectivity necessary for the institution to fulfill its mission of providing flexible learning opportunities globally.

Monica Constable, the Office of The Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer, Amp at Unisa, manages the administrative and operational support for the university's information technology division. Coordinating the implementation of digital projects, the administrator ensures that the ICT strategy aligns with the broader goals of the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. This role involves facilitating communication between technical teams and academic departments to support the delivery of diverse qualifications. By streamlining the operational processes within the ICT office, Monica Constable directly contributes to the reliability of the university's online learning platforms. The administrator also monitors the progress of technology-driven initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the needs of students and faculty. Through meticulous oversight of administrative functions, Constable supports the successful execution of the university's digital roadmap. Ultimately, the administrator secures the operational continuity required for the institution to maintain its leadership in distance education.

Kereeditse Modisane, the Hrd at Unisa, directs the human resources strategy for the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. Overseeing talent acquisition, staff development, and organizational culture, the Hrd ensures that the university attracts and retains the expertise required to deliver high-quality education. This role involves fostering an environment that supports innovative teaching and impactful research across various fields such as education, law, and science. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Kereeditse Modisane directly enhances the professional capabilities of the university's workforce. The Hrd also collaborates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the institution's mission of addressing societal challenges. Through the management of employee relations and performance systems, Modisane secures the organizational stability needed to serve nearly one-third of South African students. Ultimately, the Hrd maintains the human infrastructure necessary for the university to continue its legacy as a global leader in distance education.