2025 Vice Chancellor’s Concert brings together leading voices

During the height of the pandemic, Unisa recorded a surplus, an exceptional feat at a time when many institutions reported financial strain and operational cuts.

The University of South Africa proudly announces that it achieved a financially unqualified audit opinion for the 2023 financial year, based on its continued track record of sound financial reporting. This marks the sixth consecutive year (from 2018 to 2023) that the university has received an unqualified opinion, the highest standard in financial accountability.

An unqualified audit opinion confirms that Unisa’s financial statements are free of material misstatements and comply with all relevant legislation. Even more impressively, Unisa’s financial reserves have grown from R7 billion in 2018 to over R18.1 billion by the end of 2023.

This growth underscores the university’s effective long-term planning, robust investment strategy, and unwavering commitment to financial sustainability, ensuring that Unisa can continue fulfilling its academic mission.

The institution continues to make strides in teaching, learning, and research. In global rankings, Unisa has placed within the 601–700 and 901–1000 bands for overall performance, teaching excellence, and societal impact, while standing 7th nationally.

The University of South Africa (Unisa) will host one of its most prestigious events of the year on Saturday, 4 October at 18.00 as the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Concert brings together leading voices in South African music, distinguished guests, and a celebration of achievement at the ZK Matthews Great Hall.

Headlining the event is iconic South African singer, songwriter, and activist Simphiwe Dana, whose work has long resonated at the intersection of art, politics, and social transformation. Known for her stirring vocals and poetic, Afrocentric lyrics, Dana will be accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Daniel Boico, in what promises to be a deeply moving and culturally rich performance.

In research, the university has moved from 8th position in 2022 to 6th in 2023, a clear sign of a growing and thriving academic culture.These achievements form the broader context of the Vice Chancellor’s Concert, a celebration not only of music but of leadership, innovation, and resilience.

The musical programme includes a performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by pianist Megan Geoffrey Prins arias by Gershwin, Puccini, Verdi, and Gounod sung by internationally renowned soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, and South African compositions by MM Moerane, Benjamin Tyamzashe, and Sibusiso Njeza.

The Unisa Choir will open the evening with an a cappella prelude.In her statement ahead of the event, Professor LenkaBula reflected: “This concert is not only a celebration of musical excellence, but of what we can achieve when we remain focused, principled, and inclusive in our approach to leadership and education. It is also a time to thank the partners, sponsors, and stakeholders who walk this journey with us.”

The audience will include members of the Chancellor’s office, University Council, senior and extended management, the diplomatic corps, alumni, sponsors, and arts patrons.

Select guests will be invited to pre-concert drinks and a post-concert reception designed to foster strategic partnerships and honour long-standing supporters.

The concert, an invitation-only black-tie affair, is hosted by Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice Chancellor. This year’s edition holds particular meaning as it marks the formal celebration of the end of Professor LenkaBula’s first term in office, a period that has been defined by transformation, resilience, and groundbreaking leadership. Professor LenkaBula made history as the first woman and the first Black woman to serve as Vice Chancellor in the university’s 150-year history.

Stepping into the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, she inherited the challenges of an uncertain global landscape, digital disruption, and financial instability across the higher education sector. Yet under her leadership, Unisa not only endured but flourished.