Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has announced that he intends to put Unisa under administration after a report revealed "financial and other maladministration" at the institution.

Nzimande wrote to Unisa council chairperson James Maboa on Friday to inform the council of his intention to appoint an administrator.

"Minister Nzimande intends to exercise his powers in terms of Section 49B of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, which empowers him to appoint an administrator. In terms of Section 49E of the Higher Education Act, the council of Unisa will be dissolved upon the appointment of an administrator," Nzimande's spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, said.

He said the decision followed reports from independent assessor, Professor Themba Mosia, and a ministerial task team, chaired by businessman and academic, Vincent Maphai.

"Minister Nzimande is satisfied that the independent assessor's report reveals financial and other maladministration of a serious nature which affects the effective functioning of Unisa. The report reveals that the appointment of an administrator is in the best interest of Unisa and of higher education in an open and democratic society," said Mnisi.

The Ministerial Task Team conducted an independent review of Unisa's "mission drift". 

It made a "rigorous assessment of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its associative disruptions and shifts" would affect the university's operating model.

Nzimande has allowed the Unisa council to make written representations to him within seven days of receipt of his letter.

A little more than a week ago, News24 reported that Professor Steward Mothata had been fired as registrar following a scathing 309-page report into various allegations, including poor leadership and governance.

Mothata's dismissal came after Unisa principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, put him on precautionary suspension for, among others, failing to advise her, the council and its committees about governance matters and possible related risks.

The registrar was accused of breaching confidentiality policies and of gross abuse of office, gross dishonesty, and gross insubordination.

In his report, Mosia recommended that Unisa be put under administration, and that the council and management members be relieved of their duties.

The report details his findings on various issues, including the state of governance at the institution, the performance of management and the council, financial management, upgrades to the vice-chancellor's home, claims of intimidation and bullying, and the leaking of confidential reports.

Mosia found the registrar's portfolio needed to be fixed due to poor consequence management, outdated policies and a failure to protect student data, among other concerns.