Unisa Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Unisa has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, information technology, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Unisa is dedicated to empowering individuals through open distance learning, addressing societal challenges, and fostering impactful research across Africa and the globe.

Leadership Roles at Unisa

  • Chief Executive Officer - Raphael Mpofu
  • Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer - Valiant Clapper
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Fadner
  • Chief Operating Officer - Matthew Chinn
  • National SRC Deputy President - Qhama Mati
  • The Annual Conversation With President and Chancellor Thabo Mbeki Dialogue Delegate - Onkatlile Mbele
  • Chief of Staff - Zukile Mgolombane
  • Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer - Mathabo Nakene
  • Office of The Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer, Amp - Monica Constable
  • Hrd - Kereeditse Modisane
  • Raphael Mpofu - Chief Executive Officer

    Raphael Mpofu, the Chief Executive Officer at Unisa, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for Africa's largest open distance learning institution. Mpofu guides the university's commitment to innovative teaching and impactful research, ensuring alignment with its mission to address societal challenges. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence and community engagement across Unisa's extensive student body. By optimizing resource allocation and driving institutional development, Raphael Mpofu ensures Unisa maintains its position as a global leader in distance education. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding access to quality education and enhancing the student experience.

    Valiant Clapper - Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

    Valiant Clapper, the Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Unisa, provides critical leadership during a transitional period, ensuring continuity in strategic operations and academic delivery. Clapper oversees the implementation of key initiatives aimed at enhancing Unisa's reach and impact as a leading open distance learning university. This executive role involves close collaboration with university stakeholders to uphold Unisa's commitment to accessible education and societal development. By driving operational efficiencies and fostering stakeholder relationships, Valiant Clapper supports the institution's mission. The focus remains on maintaining academic integrity and advancing Unisa's global standing in distance education.

    Michael Fadner - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Fadner, the Chief Financial Officer at Unisa, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the institution. Fadner manages budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the sustainable growth of Africa's largest open distance learning university. This executive position involves safeguarding Unisa's financial health and optimizing investments in academic programs and research. By implementing robust financial controls and driving fiscal responsibility, Michael Fadner supports the university's mission to provide accessible education. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial reporting and compliance, ensuring transparency and accountability across all operations.

    Matthew Chinn - Chief Operating Officer

    Matthew Chinn, the Chief Operating Officer at Unisa, oversees the day-to-day operational management and efficiency of the university. Chinn directs the implementation of strategies that enhance service delivery and support Unisa's extensive student population. This critical role involves optimizing administrative processes, managing infrastructure, and ensuring the seamless functioning of academic support services. By driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Matthew Chinn reinforces Unisa's commitment to accessible and impactful distance education. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on streamlining operations to support the university's educational and research objectives.

    Qhama Mati - National SRC Deputy President

    Qhama Mati, the National SRC Deputy President at Unisa, represents the student body and advocates for student interests within the university governance structure. Mati plays a key role in ensuring student voices are heard in policy discussions and operational decisions, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive academic environment. This leadership position is crucial for fostering student engagement and supporting the broader mission of accessible education. By collaborating with university management, Qhama Mati works to enhance the student experience and address challenges faced by learners. The National SRC Deputy President's efforts focus on student welfare and academic support.

    Onkatlile Mbele - The Annual Conversation With President and Chancellor Thabo Mbeki Dialogue Delegate

    Onkatlile Mbele, a Delegate for The Annual Conversation With President and Chancellor Thabo Mbeki Dialogue at Unisa, participates in critical discussions shaping institutional discourse and strategic direction. Mbele contributes to dialogues that explore significant societal and academic issues relevant to Unisa's mission. This engagement supports the university's commitment to impactful research and community engagement. By actively participating in these high-level conversations, Onkatlile Mbele helps foster intellectual exchange and advance Unisa's role in addressing complex challenges. The delegate's involvement underscores the university's dedication to informed dialogue and leadership development.

    Zukile Mgolombane - Chief of Staff

    Zukile Mgolombane, the Chief of Staff at Unisa, orchestrates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key university departments. Mgolombane ensures seamless execution of the executive leadership's agenda, facilitating communication and collaboration between various functional areas. This role is pivotal in translating Unisa's mission of accessible education and societal impact into actionable plans. By managing critical projects and driving cross-functional synergy, Zukile Mgolombane enhances institutional effectiveness. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include optimizing administrative processes and supporting the strategic objectives of the university's leadership team.

    Mathabo Nakene - Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer

    Mathabo Nakene, the Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer at Unisa, leads the strategic direction and implementation of information and communication technology initiatives. Nakene ensures that Unisa's technological infrastructure robustly supports its open distance learning model and extensive research endeavors. This executive position is crucial for driving digital transformation, enhancing cybersecurity, and providing cutting-edge technological solutions to students and staff. By championing innovation in ICT, Mathabo Nakene supports Unisa's mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT resources and aligning technology strategy with institutional goals.

    Monica Constable - Office of The Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer, Amp

    Monica Constable, in the Office of The Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer at Unisa, provides essential support for strategic technology initiatives and operational management. Constable assists in the execution of ICT projects that enhance Unisa's digital learning environment and research capabilities. This role is integral to ensuring the smooth functioning of the information technology department, supporting its mission to advance the university's technological infrastructure. By facilitating communication and coordinating efforts within the ICT division, Monica Constable contributes to Unisa's commitment to accessible education. The focus remains on supporting the Chief Information Officer's vision for technological advancement.

    Kereeditse Modisane - Hrd

    Kereeditse Modisane, the Hrd at Unisa, directs human resource development strategies to support the university's extensive workforce. Modisane oversees talent management, employee relations, and organizational development initiatives, ensuring Unisa attracts and retains skilled professionals dedicated to its mission. This executive role is vital for fostering a productive and supportive work environment that aligns with the institution's commitment to academic excellence and societal impact. By implementing effective HR policies and programs, Kereeditse Modisane enhances employee engagement and institutional capacity. The Hrd's focus is on cultivating a high-performing team to drive Unisa's strategic objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Unisa Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Unisa?
    Unisa is led by Raphael Mpofu (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Valiant Clapper (Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Fadner (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Unisa’s executive team?
    The executive team of Unisa includes leaders such as Raphael Mpofu (Chief Executive Officer), Valiant Clapper (Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer), Michael Fadner (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Unisa have?
    Unisa has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Unisa’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Unisa includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, National SRC Deputy President.