The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has acknowledged concerns raised by labour and students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) regarding the independent panel's investigation into events at the institution.
The committee has urged the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to consider appointing an independent assessor to examine the underlying issues at UCT.
In a recent meeting with the UCT Council, the committee received a briefing on the findings and recommendations of the independent panel regarding governance matters at UCT. The committee recognized that the independent panel, appointed by the institution council, seems to be conflicted and highlighted several glaring inconsistencies in the report, deeming them too significant to overlook.
Previously, the committee had raised concerns about the panel's terms of reference and processes in an earlier meeting with UCT.
In response to stakeholders advocating for setting aside the panel's report, the committee expressed support for an independent assessment by an external body to address community concerns and alleviate elements of mistrust.
Additionally, the committee noted numerous human-resource-related issues in the report and expressed disappointment at the absence of UCT's executive director of human resources during the meeting. Doubts were also cast on the UCT Council's capacity to fulfill its governance role effectively.
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, the Chairperson of the portfolio committee, voiced concern over the use of non-disclosure agreements to resolve challenges at UCT, citing it as a significant issue given UCT's status as a publicly funded entity.
The committee also expressed great concern over allegations of racial microaggressions within UCT. Despite its academic excellence, UCT's failure to address these issues impedes South Africa's pursuit of a socially cohesive society.
The committee urged the UCT Council and management to engage honestly and meaningfully with stakeholders to address all concerns. They believe that through transparent dialogue and strategic planning for transformation, many of the challenges can be effectively addressed.
Dr. Marcia Socikwa, the Deputy Director-General of DHET, informed the committee that they are awaiting UCT's response to a letter requesting a progress report on the state of governance. The committee called on the DHET to assist the university and its stakeholders in resolving all governance issues, emphasising the need for a collaborative effort to ensure the institution's effective functioning.
