The University of South Africa (Unisa) has once again come under the spotlight from the Department of Higher Education (DHET). This comes after Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande appointed an Independent Assessor to look into and determine the validity of many reports against Unisa.
These several reports, also include a recent labour dispute between the university and certain members of its staff and a labour union. This resulted in protest action in April over what they described as the mismanagement of the institution by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Puleng LenkaBula.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) applauds the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, for choosing to appoint an Independent Assessor to look into and determine the validity of many reports against Unisa that are on his desk.
Furthermore, media reports surfaced alleging that there were renovations done on the house of the university's vice-chancellor to the value of R2 million.
The Department's decision comes after the submission and recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on the Strategic Review of Unisa as well as written and in-person engagements between the Minister and the Unisa Council. The Independent Assessor has been appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1997 (as amended).
In response, the university also reaffirmed its commitment to giving the Independent Assessor its undivided support and cooperation as they carry out the Minister's mandate. This is similar to how they supported and assisted the MTT's work.
According to the institution, this is the proper avenue and procedure to finally address the problems and accusations plaguing Unisa. To do this, the institution will only interact with the procedures defined by the Independent Assessor directly.
The University's Principal, Vice Chancellor, and Management Committee went on to say that they are committed to transparency and will keep the university's knowledge communities informed of any upcoming processes as they develop, and as announced by the DHET.
