Corruption and mismanagement allegations remain an issue in institutions of higher learning.
The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) was accused of illegally excluding more than 100 students in February 2020. The university's SRC further accused WSU of fraud, alleging that the university's registration template with details of the students was used to claim NSFAS funding.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) also had to contend with accusations of corruption, in which members of the National Health, Education and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) implicated members of the institution's council and executive management in fraud and corruption allegations.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) also announced that it was investigating The University of Fort Hare (UFH) over how it awarded honours degrees, corruption allegations as well as claims of maladministration in August 2022.
These are among the issues that formed part of the accusations that were brought up by Member of Parliament, Sanele Zondo during a recent portfolio committee meeting.
Zondo called on Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande to provide clarity on the measures that the department has taken to address the problem.
In response, the Minister reminded Zondo that the DHET's primary responsibility is to oversee the entire higher education system and that the University Councils are ultimately in charge of institutional governance.
These institutional councils are tasked with ensuring effective governance to prevent instances of fraud, waste, and corruption. The Minister is mandated by his guiding legislation to intervene in instances where these issues are properly addressed by these university councils.
In a case where the Minister is concerned that matters are not being addressed adequately, the Act guides the circumstances under which the Minister can intervene. The Minister is also able to engage directly with university Councils where concerns have been raised directly with him.
Furthermore, the Department monitors governance and supports it through training, independent assessments, and self-evaluation. It keeps a close eye on all institutions where problems with governance might occur.
Regarding some of the steps taken to restore confidence in the integrity of these institutions. The Department has developed policies, procedures, and disciplinary procedures for management and employees to ensure colleges abide by their code of conduct.
Additionally, to combat qualification irregularities, the Department's examinations and assessment processes are subjected to quality assurance by UMALUSI and Council for Higher Education (CHE), who is responsible for quality assurance and qualification accreditation.
Officials who are involved in instances of irregularity and/or non-compliance are subject to disciplinary procedures.
