Unisa Executive and Leadership Team

Nic Morabito, the Chief Executive Officer at Unisa, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. Morabito architects long-term academic growth and ensures the university maintains its status as a global leader in distance education. By overseeing the integration of digital learning platforms, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the student experience for nearly one-third of South African learners. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align institutional goals with national development priorities. Nic Morabito manages the complex administrative framework required to support diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational stability necessary for sustained community engagement and research excellence across the African continent and beyond.

Moleli Likeleli, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Unisa, manages the daily operational flow between executive leadership and academic departments. Likeleli coordinates high-level policy implementation to ensure the university meets its mission of providing flexible learning opportunities. By streamlining communication channels, the Executive Director facilitates rapid decision-making across the institution. This role involves monitoring the execution of strategic initiatives that support local and international students in their professional development. Moleli Likeleli maintains alignment between the executive office and the various faculties, ensuring that administrative processes support the broader research and teaching goals. Through meticulous management of institutional resources, the Executive Director drives efficiency in the delivery of short learning programs and degree qualifications, ultimately strengthening the university's capacity to address critical societal challenges.

Sheila Kumalo, the Deputy Director at Unisa, oversees the strategic development of the education faculty to ensure high-quality pedagogical standards. Kumalo architects curriculum frameworks that cater to the unique needs of distance learners across diverse geographic regions. By managing faculty resources and research output, the Deputy Director drives academic innovation within the education sector. This leadership role involves coordinating with other directors to align departmental goals with the university's broader mission of societal impact. Sheila Kumalo monitors student performance metrics to refine teaching methodologies and improve graduation rates. Through the implementation of advanced digital tools, the Deputy Director enhances the accessibility of postgraduate programs. By fostering partnerships with educational stakeholders, Kumalo ensures that the university remains at the forefront of teacher training and professional development initiatives.

Petro Kotzé, the Deputy Director at Unisa, manages the operational logistics of the science department to support large-scale distance learning. Kotzé architects laboratory and research infrastructure that enables students to engage with complex scientific concepts remotely. By overseeing the integration of virtual simulation tools, the Deputy Director drives the modernization of science curricula. This leadership role involves managing faculty research grants and ensuring compliance with international academic standards. Petro Kotzé coordinates with the broader executive team to align scientific research with the university's commitment to addressing societal challenges. Through the optimization of resource allocation, the Deputy Director ensures that science programs remain accessible to a diverse student body. By prioritizing impactful research, Kotzé strengthens the university's reputation for scientific excellence and innovation in the distance education landscape.

Khopotso Lekhoehla, the Deputy Director at Unisa, directs the legal and regulatory compliance frameworks that govern the university's operations. Lekhoehla architects policies that ensure adherence to national education laws while maintaining the flexibility required for distance learning. By overseeing the legal department, the Deputy Director drives risk mitigation strategies that protect the institution's integrity. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on governance matters and ensuring that all academic programs meet accreditation requirements. Khopotso Lekhoehla manages the interface between the university and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth operations across various jurisdictions. Through the rigorous application of legal standards, the Deputy Director supports the university's mission of providing equitable access to law qualifications. By maintaining high governance standards, Lekhoehla ensures the long-term sustainability of the institution's academic offerings.

Nkululeko Nzimande, the Deputy Director at Unisa, manages the student support services division to enhance the learning experience for distance students. Nzimande architects comprehensive support systems that address the unique challenges faced by learners in remote locations. By overseeing the implementation of digital student portals, the Deputy Director drives improvements in student retention and engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to ensure that support services align with the specific needs of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Nkululeko Nzimande monitors feedback loops to continuously refine the delivery of student services. Through the strategic management of support staff, the Deputy Director ensures that every student receives the necessary guidance to succeed. By prioritizing student-centric solutions, Nzimande contributes to the university's goal of providing flexible and accessible education to all.

Nicodemus Maredi, the Deputy Director at Unisa, oversees the expansion of short learning programs to meet the growing demand for professional development. Maredi architects partnerships with industry leaders to ensure that these programs remain relevant to the current job market. By managing the development of modular course content, the Deputy Director drives the university's ability to provide rapid upskilling opportunities. This leadership role involves aligning short-term academic offerings with the broader strategic goals of the institution. Nicodemus Maredi monitors market trends to identify new areas for program expansion and growth. Through the effective management of faculty and industry experts, the Deputy Director ensures the high quality of professional training. By focusing on practical skill acquisition, Maredi supports the university's mission of fostering economic development and individual career advancement.

Mabuza Nonhlanhla, the Deputy Director at Unisa, directs the community engagement initiatives that connect the university with local and international stakeholders. Nonhlanhla architects outreach programs that translate academic research into tangible societal benefits. By overseeing the coordination of public service projects, the Deputy Director drives the university's commitment to addressing regional challenges. This leadership role involves building relationships with community leaders and organizations to foster collaborative problem-solving. Mabuza Nonhlanhla manages the communication strategy for these initiatives to ensure widespread awareness and participation. Through the strategic alignment of community needs with academic expertise, the Deputy Director enhances the university's social impact. By promoting active citizenship and knowledge sharing, Nonhlanhla strengthens the institution's role as a catalyst for positive change within the broader society.

Johan Jacobs, the Deputy Director at Unisa, manages the information technology infrastructure that supports the university's distance learning model. Jacobs architects scalable cloud solutions that ensure reliable access to course materials for students across the globe. By overseeing the cybersecurity department, the Deputy Director drives the protection of sensitive student and institutional data. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic directors to integrate new educational technologies into the curriculum. Johan Jacobs monitors system performance to ensure high availability during peak enrollment periods. Through the strategic investment in digital infrastructure, the Deputy Director enables the university to maintain its position as a leader in distance education. By prioritizing technological innovation, Jacobs ensures that the institution remains equipped to handle the evolving demands of a digital-first academic environment.

Vusi Mkhwanazi, the Deputy Director at Unisa, oversees the financial planning and resource allocation for the university's various academic faculties. Mkhwanazi architects budgetary frameworks that ensure the efficient use of funds across all departments. By managing the financial reporting processes, the Deputy Director drives transparency and accountability in the institution's fiscal operations. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to align financial resources with strategic priorities. Vusi Mkhwanazi monitors expenditure to ensure that academic programs receive the necessary funding to maintain high standards. Through the strategic management of assets, the Deputy Director supports the university's long-term financial sustainability. By optimizing the allocation of resources, Mkhwanazi enables the institution to continue providing affordable and accessible education to a vast student population.