Unisa contributes 10.0% of total sector research output, confirming its position as a major contributor to national knowledge production.
WHEN the University of South Africa (Unisa), popularly known as the University of the Land, entered the second phase of its 2015-2030 strategy, it was motivated by the adage “Do not look to the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those who look to the horizon”.
This rang true at Unisa in 2021, as the adage served as a reminder for the university to keep its eyes on the big picture and not let temporary, small challenges distract it from its ultimate goals.
For Unisa to see beyond the horizon, it dared to move mountains. Today, in 2026, the university is enjoying the shade of the tree it planted in 2021.
It is no coincidence that 2021 was also the year in which Professor Puleng LenkaBula was inaugurated as the institution’s first Black woman principal and vice-chancellor. Unisa’s upward research trajectory is very much a result of the vision she brought to the role and has been spearheading for the past five years, as well as the ten catalytic niche areas (CNAs) the university has adopted under her guidance.
