The University of South Africa (Unisa) welcomed the decision taken by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande to withdraw the notice to place the university under administration.

Last week the Gauteng High Court ordered the Minister to overturn his decision following Unisa’s court interdict against the move.

The university believes that this decision by Nzimande affirms the “sacrosanctity of the courts” and the rule of law.     

Last month, Nzimande notified the university of his intention to place it under administration, after the Unisa Council failed to present written representations by the September 4 deadline.

Nzimande's intention to place Unisa under administration followed reports on the management of the institution by Independent Assessor Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on Unisa chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai.

Nzimande previously said that the Independent Assessor's report revealed financial and other maladministration of a serious nature and serious undermining of the effective functioning of Unisa.

The report also revealed that the appointment of an administrator was in the best interest of Unisa and of higher education in an open and democratic society.

The MTT on the other hand, conducted an Independent Review of Unisa, and looked at the issue of 'Unisa's mission drift', which had massive implications for the financial sustainability and future of Unisa.