LenkaBula

Unisa Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Puleng @LenkaBula, officially welcomed delegates and opened the inaugural International Conference on Coastal, Marine and Maritime Research (COMMRE) 2026 in Durban. In her address, she emphasised the vital role of science, research and collaboration in protecting ocean ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience and unlocking Africa’s blue economy potential. She called for a shared responsibility to ensure that marine resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.   #unisa150andbeyond #COMMRE2026  #BlueEconomy

🌊 Day 2 of #COMMRE2026 spotlighted the power of collaboration in advancing South Africa’s blue economy. Experts across science, industry, and coastal communities from @unisa, TIA_SA, @eThekwiniM & SA Weather Services explored marine innovation, sustainability and coastal resilience, advancing Unisa’s Marine Studies Catalytic Niche Area. #Unisa150andbeyond #Blueeconomy

📢 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗚𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲! Unisa Convocation members are invited to the Annual General Meeting on 9 December 2026 at 09:00 at the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, with an option to participate online. Be part of the conversation, stay informed and make your voice heard! 📌 RSVP by 27 November 2026: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/DjK2… #Unisa150andBeyond

At SANEF's annual fundraising gala, Unisa reaffirmed its commitment to independent journalism, media innovation, and protecting South Africa's democracy. ow.ly/vOyN5101Hly #Unisa150andBeyond

💡𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 Have a research idea that could challenge perspectives, inspire innovation or contribute to meaningful change? Take your academic ambitions further with Master's and Doctoral studies at Unisa. Your research journey starts with an application. 🔗 Apply now: ow.ly/AVFq51020In #Unisa150andBeyond

Day # 3 COMMRE Underway Under the theme “Advancing Science, Innovation, Policy, and Equity within the UN Ocean Decade”, today’s engagements deepen the conversation on how ocean knowledge translates into action. Marine Studies, as one of Unisa’s 10 Catalytic Niche Areas, focuses on coastal oceanography, marine science, and harnessing the potential of South Africa’s oceans to drive sustainable development and coastal resilience. We continue tomorrow! #Unisa150andbeyond #COMMRE2026 #Blueeconomy

At the 40th SASAS conference, Unisa and leading climate experts called for stronger scientific partnerships, innovation and early warning systems to protect communities. ow.ly/Lw9P5101Gty #Unisa150andBeyond #UnisaCSET

The panel discussion themed "Every Municipality Must Work" responded to the Deputy Minister’s presentation. Panellists Leon Claassen, Prof Dirk Kotzé, Prof Kealeboga Maphunye and Motalatale Modiba discussed structural problems, the financial state of municipalities, coalition governments, fiscal reform, urbanisation, election-related violence, and accountability, while noting some positive reforms in the pipeline. #UnisaPolicyDialogue #LocalGovermentReform #Unisa150andBeyond

Prof Siya Tyali, Director: School of Arts at Unisa, delivered the welcoming address at the Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate, hosted by Unisa and the National Press Club. He emphasised that how the City of Tshwane is led directly affects its residents, particularly its most vulnerable communities. Prof Tyali reaffirmed Unisa’s commitment, through its Political and Government Communication programme in the College of Human Sciences, to encouraging public dialogue and working with the leadership chosen by residents. He stressed that the priority is the positive difference that leadership makes in people’s lives. #TshwaneMunicipalDebate @npclub #Unisa150andBeyond

WATCH the debate on YouTube at youtube.com/live/KgqJz8kjzNw Why should residents entrust you with their vote to govern the City of Tshwane? This question framed a round of responses at the Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate, with each party given four minutes to make its case. ActionSA said it had taken drastic steps to stabilise the city and called for five more years for Dr Nasiphi Moya to complete the work. The ANC identified the city’s budget as a top priority, while the Freedom Front Plus highlighted failures in water, electricity, infrastructure and safety. The DA pointed to its record of governance in local municipalities. #TshwaneMunicipalDebate @npclub #Unisa150andBeyond

The Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate concluded with service delivery, financial stability, public safety and accountable leadership in focus. In their closing appeals, ActionSA backed Dr Nasiphi Moya, emphasising ethical leadership and financial stability, while highlighting increased metro police and by-law enforcement operations. The ANC pointed to its record of free Wi-Fi, job creation and support for indigent households, prioritising service delivery and unlocking R88 billion in investments. The DA backed Cilliers Brink and pledged to tackle corruption and end reliance on water tankers. The EFF prioritised resolving the water crisis, creating a safer city, insourcing workers and revitalising the local economy. The FF+ called for a strong, principled coalition, alongside commitments to end advance payments to contractors, discipline negligent managers and create employment. Unisa and the National Press Club thank all participants and everyone who joined the discussion on the future of the City of Tshwane. The proposals and commitments made provide a basis for residents to assess their choices and hold future leaders accountable. #Unisa150andBeyond #TshwaneMunicipalDebate @npclub #Unisa150andBeyond

Ms Antoinette Slabbert, Chairperson of the National Press Club, set the scene at the Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate by highlighting persistent service delivery challenges and the importance of sound municipal finances. She stressed that changes in political leadership must translate into meaningful improvements for residents of the City of Tshwane. Slabbert challenged voters to carefully consider whom they entrust with leading their city, and candidates to reflect on the kind of leaders they intend to be. She urged them to use their positions to drive progress and leave a legacy of improved services and accountable governance. #TshwaneMunicipalDebate @npclub #Unisa150andBeyond

Join Unisa and the National Press Club this evening, Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 18:30 for the Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate ahead of the upcoming local government elections on November 4th. Hear from mayoral candidates Dr Nasiphi Moya (ActionSA), Tlangi Mogale (ANC), Omphile Maotwe (EFF), Cilliers Brink (DA) and Willie Spies (VF+) as Tshwane’s future takes centre stage. Watch live on YouTube: youtube.com/live/KgqJz8kjzNw… #Unisa150andBeyond #NationalPressClub #Tshwane #MunicipalElections

How would political parties stabilise the City of Tshwane’s finances? At the Tshwane Municipal Elections Debate, ActionSA proposed settling debts, ensuring equitable services, reducing water and electricity losses, and classifying copper as a precious metal. The ANC called for implementing the Auditor-General’s findings through audit tracking, community engagement and stronger internal capacity. The DA emphasised protecting indigent households through solar power and free basic services. The EFF proposed overhauling the budget, reducing outsourcing, building internal capacity and generating the city’s own revenue. The FF+ called for an end to advance payments to contractors and measures to address workforce inefficiencies. #TshwaneMunicipalDebate @npclub #Unisa150andBeyond