Unisa Vice-Chancellor Embroiled in Controversy

Key Takeaways

• The University of South Africa (Unisa) is facing a legal showdown as whistle-blower lawyers demand the immediate suspension of vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula due to allegations of corruption, abuse of power, intimidation, and financial misconduct.
• The City of Tshwane is struggling with water quality issues, including high levels of turbidity in Bronkhorstspruit and partially treated effluent detected at Rietvlei Dam, prompting residents to be advised against using the water for drinking or cooking purposes.
• Najwa Petersen, convicted of murdering her husband, has been denied parole for the second time in just over a year.
• The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed disappointment over the United States’ continued reference to conditions that do not exist in South Africa, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Pretoria would be barred from attending the next G20 summit in America.
• The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, is looking to finish their end-of-year tour with a fifth win from five Tests, despite facing a depleted team due to the final fixture falling outside World Rugby’s official Test window.

Introduction to Current Events
The morning of November 28, 2025, has brought a slew of significant news stories to the forefront. From a dramatic legal showdown at the University of South Africa to concerns over water quality in the City of Tshwane, there is no shortage of important updates. Additionally, the parole board has denied Najwa Petersen’s latest bid for release, and the ANC has expressed disappointment over the US’ continued reference to non-existent conditions in South Africa. Furthermore, the Springboks are gearing up to finish their end-of-year tour on a high note, despite facing a depleted team.

University of South Africa Crisis
A strongly worded letter from Sebako Attorneys to the University of South Africa’s council has accused vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula of corruption, abuse of power, intimidation, and financial misconduct. The lawyers have demanded her immediate suspension, warning that her continued presence poses a serious risk of further interference in investigations. This dramatic turn of events has deepened the crisis at Unisa, with the university’s council facing significant pressure to take action. The allegations against LenkaBula are serious and far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how the university will respond to these demands.

Tshwane Water Quality Concerns
The City of Tshwane is facing significant challenges related to water quality, with high levels of turbidity recorded in Bronkhorstspruit and partially treated effluent detected at Rietvlei Dam. Residents in the area have been advised not to use the water from the Bronkhorstspruit waste water treatment plant for drinking or cooking purposes, sparking widespread concern. The city’s hands are full with water woes, and it is unclear how quickly these issues can be resolved. The detection of partially treated effluent at Rietvlei Dam is particularly alarming, and the city must take immediate action to address these concerns.

Najwa Petersen Parole Denial
Najwa Petersen, convicted of murdering her husband, Taliep Petersen, has been denied parole for the second time in just over a year. The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board made the decision, which is likely to be met with relief from the family and friends of the victim. Petersen’s first attempt at parole was denied in September last year, and it appears that she will have to wait longer before being considered for release again. The parole board’s decision is a significant one, and it highlights the seriousness with which the justice system views Petersen’s crimes.

ANC Disappointment with US
The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed disappointment over the United States’ continued reference to conditions that do not exist in South Africa. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced that Pretoria would be barred from attending the next G20 summit in America. The ANC’s disappointment is understandable, given the lack of basis for the US’ claims. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but it is clear that the ANC will continue to push back against what it sees as unfair and inaccurate characterizations of South Africa.

Springboks End-of-Year Tour
The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, is looking to finish their end-of-year tour with a fifth win from five Tests. Despite facing a depleted team due to the final fixture falling outside World Rugby’s official Test window, the Springboks are confident of achieving this goal. The team has already defeated Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland, and a win against Wales in Cardiff would be a significant achievement. The Springboks’ coach, Rassie Erasmus, has been praised for his innovations and surprises, and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in this final fixture. With a depleted team, the Springboks will have to be at the top of their game if they are to emerge victorious.