South African author Jackie Phamotse sparked a heated conversation after raising concerns about reported staff deaths at UnisaUnverified reports allegedly linking the deaths to burnout and a toxic work environment began circulating, drawing widespread public reactionUnisa issued an official media statement condemning what it called deliberate misinformation and propaganda surrounding the matterJackie Phamotse has spoken about the deaths of Unisa Staff deaths. Image: jackiephamotse/X, UNISA websiteSource: InstagramSouth African author Jackie Phamotse set social media alight after raising concerns about reported deaths among Unisa staff members, prompting the university to issue a strongly worded response. Unisa's official responseThe University of South Africa issued a media statement on 3 August 2026, distancing itself from what it described as "deliberate and coordinated misinformation." The institution expressed sadness that the deaths of staff members were allegedly being weaponised for what it termed "unsavoury agendas" and "propaganda and gamesmanship." I expect nothing less from people in charge of higher education, too, maybe they'll use the thuma mina original 'commission' next..."Jackie Phamotse spoke about the alarming UNISA deaths.