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. By aligning academic goals with the university's mission to address societal challenges, Mpofu ensures that distance education remains accessible to a diverse student body. The Chief Executive Officer manages high-level institutional partnerships and oversees the implementation of research initiatives that bolster the university's standing in the global academic community. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across all faculties. Raphael Mpofu fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that the institution adapts to the evolving needs of local and international students. This leadership role requires constant engagement with the Board to secure long-term sustainability. By prioritizing student success and community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer drives the institution toward its goal of providing flexible, high-quality learning opportunities for all.

Michael Fadner, the Chief Financial Officer at Unisa, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the world's longest-standing dedicated distance education university. Overseeing complex budgetary frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the expansion of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short learning programs. Fadner directs the financial planning necessary to sustain large-scale operations across the African continent. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for continuous investment in teaching technologies. Michael Fadner collaborates with other executive leaders to align fiscal strategies with the university's commitment to societal impact. This role involves rigorous monitoring of financial performance metrics to ensure compliance and transparency. Through strategic financial management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the institution to provide affordable education to nearly one-third of South African students, ultimately securing the resources needed for future growth and academic development.

Mduduzi Mabuza, the President at Unisa, represents the university in high-level engagements and promotes the institution's commitment to societal challenges and academic excellence. By fostering relationships with external stakeholders, the President strengthens the university's influence in the education sector. Mduduzi Mabuza oversees the alignment of institutional values with the needs of local and international students seeking professional development. This role involves advocating for the importance of open distance learning as a tool for social mobility and economic growth. The President works with the Board and executive leadership to define the long-term trajectory of the university. By championing research and community engagement, the President ensures that the institution remains relevant in a changing global landscape. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the university's mission to provide flexible, high-quality education. This role is essential for maintaining the university's reputation as a premier institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and societal progress.

Onkatlile Mbele, the The Annual Conversation With President and Chancellor Thabo Mbeki Dialogue Delegate at Unisa, facilitates critical discourse regarding the university's role in shaping the future of African education. By organizing and participating in high-level dialogues, the Delegate ensures that the institution remains connected to the broader socio-political context of the continent. Onkatlile Mbele coordinates discussions that address societal challenges, aligning these conversations with the university's mission of impactful research and community engagement. This role involves bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application in the public sphere. The Delegate works to amplify the university's voice in national and international forums, promoting the value of distance education. By fostering an environment of intellectual exchange, the Delegate supports the institution's commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Through these strategic dialogues, the Delegate helps define the university's path forward in addressing the complex needs of its diverse student population.

Qhama Mati, the National SRC Deputy President at Unisa, advocates for the interests and needs of the student body within the university's governance structures. By representing the diverse perspectives of students enrolled in various fields such as education, law, and science, the Deputy President ensures that student concerns remain a priority for the administration. Mati directs efforts to improve student support services and enhance the overall learning experience for those engaged in distance education. This role involves collaborating with university leadership to address challenges related to accessibility and academic resources. Qhama Mati works to foster a sense of community among students, even in a remote learning environment. By participating in key decision-making processes, the Deputy President helps shape policies that directly impact student success and professional development. Through active representation, the Deputy President ensures that the university remains responsive to the needs of its nearly one-third of South African students.

Zukile Mgolombane, the Chief of Staff at Unisa, coordinates the executive office operations to ensure seamless communication and strategic alignment across all university departments. By managing the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader institution, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes. Zukile Mgolombane oversees the execution of key institutional projects that support the university's commitment to innovative teaching and community engagement. This role involves bridging the gap between administrative functions and academic goals to maintain organizational cohesion. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on critical initiatives, ensuring that all departments remain focused on the core mission of providing flexible learning opportunities. By streamlining internal workflows and managing high-priority tasks, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on long-term strategic objectives. Through proactive coordination, the Chief of Staff ensures that the university effectively addresses the diverse needs of its local and international student population.

Monica Constable, the Office of The Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer, Amp at Unisa, architects the digital infrastructure required to support the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. By managing the technological systems that facilitate remote education, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students have reliable access to learning platforms and digital resources. Constable directs the implementation of advanced ICT solutions that enhance the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This role involves overseeing the security and scalability of the university's network to accommodate a massive, geographically dispersed student base. Monica Constable collaborates with academic leaders to integrate new teaching technologies that improve the overall student experience. By focusing on digital transformation, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to innovative teaching. Through the strategic deployment of information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of distance education technology.

Mathabo Nakene, the Ict Vice Principal & Chief Information Officer at Unisa, leads the strategic development of the university's data management and information technology frameworks. By focusing on the optimization of administrative software and student information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the institution operates with maximum efficiency. Nakene directs the modernization of digital tools that support research and community engagement initiatives. This role involves managing the technical teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of academic records and online learning environments. Mathabo Nakene works closely with the executive team to align IT investments with the university's broader goals of expanding access to education. By prioritizing the reliability of digital services, the Chief Information Officer enables the university to serve its large student population effectively. Through the implementation of robust IT policies, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for the institution to continue its legacy as a leader in distance education.

Kereeditse Modisane, the Hrd at Unisa, manages the human capital strategies necessary to support the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. By overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and employee relations, the Hrd ensures that the university maintains a high-performing workforce capable of delivering quality education. Modisane directs initiatives that promote a culture of innovation and inclusivity among staff members. This role involves aligning human resource policies with the university's commitment to research and community engagement. Kereeditse Modisane works with department heads to identify staffing needs and implement training programs that enhance the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. By focusing on employee engagement and organizational health, the Hrd supports the institution's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the education sector. Through strategic workforce planning, the Hrd ensures that the university has the expertise required to provide flexible learning opportunities to students across the globe.