Unisa's Bold Move: Welcoming 863 Adjunct Academics to Strengthen Open Distance Learning

In a landmark initiative, the University of South Africa (Unisa), Africa's largest open distance learning (ODL) institution, has onboarded 863 adjunct academics through its newly launched Adjunct Academics Program. This three-year fixed-term contract positions these professionals primarily at post level P9, starting from April 2026. The program, institutionalized under the Institutional Development Portfolio, was officially welcomed by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula on February 4, 2026, at the ZK Matthews Great Hall on the Muckleneuk Campus. This gathering highlighted Unisa's commitment to expanding its teaching capacity amid pressing higher education demands in South Africa.

With over 370,000 students enrolled annually, Unisa plays a pivotal role in making higher education accessible nationwide. The influx of these adjuncts targets key areas across seven colleges, including the College of Human Sciences, Science, Engineering and Technology, Accounting Sciences, and Economics and Management Sciences. By drawing in qualified individuals—many holding doctoral degrees—this program not only bolsters academic delivery but also fosters pathways for early-career scholars transitioning from stagnant government roles or unemployment.

What Defines an Adjunct Academic at Unisa?

Adjunct academics at Unisa are part-time or fixed-term educators who supplement the core faculty, bringing specialized expertise to undergraduate teaching at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 5 to 7. Unlike full-time permanent staff, they operate on renewable three-year contracts, focusing on high-impact, student-centered roles without the full administrative load of traditional professorships.

Key responsibilities include delivering lectures, tutorials, and seminars via Unisa's learning management system (LMS), such as myUnisa. They prepare lesson plans aligned with course outcomes, facilitate both asynchronous and synchronous sessions, and ensure compliance with the College Quality Assurance Framework. Assessment duties encompass marking assignments, tests, projects, and exams, providing timely feedback, and participating in moderation processes.

Beyond classroom duties, adjuncts use data analytics to monitor student engagement—tracking log-ins, forum participation, submission patterns, and performance trends. This enables targeted interventions for at-risk students, such as refresher tutorials or motivational communications. Collaboration with departments like Tuition Support and Instructional Services is essential, referring students to counseling when needed.

• Develop and deliver teaching materials tailored to ODL students' needs
• Interpret LMS dashboards to identify learning barriers
• Contribute to curriculum reviews and module improvements
• Mentor diverse learners, promoting inclusivity and accessibility

Technical proficiency in tools like MS Office, MS Teams, AI-driven chatbots, and predictive analytics is required, alongside soft skills such as emotional intelligence and adaptability.

Real Stories: PhD Holders Finding New Paths in Academia

The human element shines through the experiences of these 863 appointees. Dr. Shangolirimini Demana, a 36-year-old PhD graduate in public affairs from 2024, spent seven years in entry-level government positions despite holding a master's, BTech, and national diploma. Unemployed post-diploma from 2012 to 2017, he resigned from his permanent role to join Unisa, viewing it as a risk worth taking for academic growth. "It gives exposure to those wanting to become lecturers," he shared, critiquing government bursaries that fund qualifications but fail to retain talent.

Similarly, 32-year-old Dr. Light Ubisi, with a doctorate in public administration from the University of Venda, navigated unemployment during the 2020 Covid-19 return from a Hungarian master's scholarship. The program offers him a platform to shape future scholars. "Institutions are creating space for young academics to thrive, building professors from within," Ubisi noted.

These narratives underscore the program's appeal to black South African scholars, addressing under-representation at doctoral levels as per Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) data from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

South Africa's Higher Education Landscape: A Capacity Crunch

South Africa's higher education sector grapples with acute capacity constraints. The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results boasted an 88% pass rate, yielding over 650,000 passes and 340,000 bachelor's qualifications. Yet, public universities offer only about 235,000 first-year spots, forcing over 500,000 eligible applicants into gap years, TVET colleges, or private options.

Unisa, enrolling a third of all public higher education students, exemplifies the strain. Stagnant infrastructure, NSFAS funding shortfalls, and student protests over financial exclusion compound issues. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 targets 6,000 PhD graduates yearly, but systemic barriers persist, including staff shortages and inequitable representation.

TimesLIVE reports highlight how adjunct hiring expands Unisa's reach without proportional infrastructure costs, vital for ODL scalability.

Bridging Staff Shortages and Promoting Transformation

Unisa's adjunct initiative directly tackles faculty gaps. DHET data reveals foreign staff comprise up to 77% in some areas, underscoring the need for local talent pipelines. By prioritizing master's or doctoral holders with teaching experience, Unisa boosts black academic representation—a persistent post-apartheid challenge.

Spokesperson Walter Matli emphasized: "HEMIS data shows black South Africans remain under-represented at doctoral level despite interventions. This creates pathways for greater equity." Adjuncts contribute to research innovation via platforms like Unisa Press, Africa's largest university publisher, while upholding standards as "national science diplomats."

For aspiring educators, explore adjunct professor jobs or faculty positions on AcademicJobs.com.

Alignment with Unisa's Africa-Centred Vision

At the 2026 Academic Opening under "Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures," Professor LenkaBula linked adjuncts to Unisa's 150-year trajectory. They support teaching, assessment, and curriculum amid turbulent finances and governance needs. Emphasis on ethical AI use—as an aid, not crutch—ensures research integrity.

Prof Mpho Ngoepe's portfolio aids thesis assessments and commercialization, fostering societal impact. This aligns with African Union Agenda 2063, positioning Unisa as a continental leader.

Unisa's official announcement details the collective leadership model.

Anticipated Impacts: Enhanced Student Outcomes and Research

Expect improved throughput rates through analytics-driven support. Adjuncts' module contributions could elevate Unisa's rankings, like its top ODL position in Times Higher Education. Research output surges via dedicated platforms, benefiting students and society.

Stakeholders anticipate reduced dropout risks, better employability via micro-credentials, and diversified perspectives enriching ODL.

Remaining Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

Fixed-term nature poses retention risks; Unisa must transition high-performers to permanency. Government must reform public sector promotions to stem talent drain. Broader solutions include infrastructure investment and NSFAS stabilization.

• Scale successful interventions like predictive analytics
• Partner with private HE for hybrid models
• Invest in black PhD pipelines via bursaries with retention clauses

Check higher ed career advice for navigating these dynamics.

Opportunities for South African Academics and Job Seekers

This program signals demand for adjunct roles continent-wide. Qualified professionals in South Africa can leverage platforms like university jobs and South Africa academic jobs. For career growth, consider rate my professor insights or higher ed jobs.

Explore lecturer paths via lecturer jobs, aligning skills with ODL demands.

Photo by Oscar Omondi on Unsplash

In summary, Unisa's 863 adjuncts herald a transformative era, directly confronting capacity woes while nurturing talent. As South Africa eyes NDP goals, such innovations promise resilient higher education. Aspiring academics, visit higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and higher-ed-career-advice for your next step. Share your views below.