The University of South Africa (Unisa) says it has concluded its response to the findings uncovered by an Independent Assessor.
The institution’s Council convened on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 to conclude outstanding matters of governance and oversight and finalise its response to the Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande.
Unisa says their response will be submitted to Minister Nzimande's office within the agreed-upon timeframe between the Council and the Minister.
Council also finalised and approved its response to the report of the Independent Assessor appointed by Minister Nzimande to look into the affairs of Unisa.
Unisa is looking forward to the response and guidance of Minister Nzimande after they have submitted their response. The university is also open to further engagements should the need arise.
The Council also voiced its disapproval regarding the leaking of documents, including their draft response, before Wednesday's Meeting. They called for severe action to be taken against anyone found involved in this misconduct.
Why Unisa Was Investigated
Minister Nzimande ordered the investigation after several complaints were received by his department from concerned members of the Unisa community.
The investigation centred around evaluating the functioning and efficacy of the University’s governance and management structures, the operations of the Office of the Registrar concerning the management of academic affairs, registration and certification matters and the state of human resource policies and practices of the University.
The Independent Assessor appointed by Minister Nzimande to investigate the state of affairs at South Africa’s largest university made several damning findings that were cited in the report.
According to Professor Themba Mosia's independent report, the university's management failed to fulfil its mandate and highlighted the misappropriation of millions of rands and the possible involvement of staff in tender irregularities.
Mosia stated that the university's management and Council should be relieved of their duties and that the institution be placed under administration. Experts argue that the report compiled by Mosia demonstrates the need for greater accountability at public institutions.
