The University of South Africa’s (UNISA) principal and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, has found herself amid some drama, as an online argument led to the academic uttering some distasteful words, which garnered her some backlash.
What started out as an innocent venting session by a former UNISA student ended in some controversy when Prof LenkaBula took it upon herself as the school’s principal to address an issue the former student had with her institution. Taking to his account, unsuspecting user @DrSindane revealed the unfortunate experience he had with UNISA, when it took approximately seven months for him to get his master’s degree results.
Is Stellenbosch so great that you direct negative social media commentary @unisa ? Why did you not write to me/Research Office &advise on what could be improved than project undue negativity? “O ska Nyela Didiba” You may in future need the water from the very well you’re soiling.
— LenkaBula (@LenkaBula) June 16, 2025
Although the message was quite generic, it appears Prof. LenkaBula took the user’s vent as a personal attack on her character and institution. This is despite the fact that she had not been appointed as UNISA’s Vice Chancellor at the time the user revealed he experienced challenges with the institution.
As a response, she asked Dr Sindane why he opted to share his grievance on such a public platform, as opposed to coming to her privately to address it. “Why did you not write to me/Research Office &advise on what could be improved rather than project undue negativity?” the professor inquires.
Is Stellenbosch so great that you direct negative social media commentary @unisa ? Why did you not write to me/Research Office &advise on what could be improved than project undue negativity? “O ska Nyela Didiba” You may in future need the water from the very well you’re soiling.
— LenkaBula (@LenkaBula) June 16, 2025
Furthermore, Prof. LenkaBula went on to say “O ska nyela didiba” (don’t foul the well), many bystanders revealed to take as a treat to the fellow academic. According to these users, a person holding such a powerful position should be more considerate of their interactions on social media.
Despite countless pleas for the professor to withdraw the statement, she has doubled down and revealed that she stands by what she said, and urged others to research the true meaning of the statement.
I’ll not retract my message due to your misinterpretation of an African Language injunction that you find crude. Check it’s meaning, ANALYZE &appreciate its imperative be4 judging. Finally, I/we @unisa constantly listen &act on Students/Alumni concerns Old/New with Dignity 💻📚🌻
— LenkaBula (@LenkaBula) June 16, 2025
And here, ladies and gentlemen, we have a vice chancellor publicly threatening an academic. https://t.co/Tmh7Os2xoJ
— Siyabonga Nyezi (@SiyabongaNYZ) June 16, 2025
This whole thread and reading her responses is why women get labelled emotional. She could have acknowledged the experience and used the opportunity to highlight improvements unisa has done since. Lost opportunity to influence https://t.co/vrjySqxlTh
— Gugu (@Gugu_lethuML) June 17, 2025
Also see: South Africa makes case for best sporting nation after various victories
