The University of South Africa (Unisa) has released a statement that has denounced the claims made against the institution by a trade union.
The trade union made the following allegations:
- Double booking mistake of a Unisa venue, clashing autumn graduations, and Nehawu mass meeting.
- Nehawu alleged that they were not notified about the precautionary suspension of their Unisa Branch Office Bearers.
- Vice-Chancellor allegedly violated governance processes by adjusting workers' salaries, which is said to have led to salary disputes.
- Unisa Council allegedly not holding VC accountable on allegations.
- The official vehicle used by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor was allegedly purchased without following due process.
- The Principal and Vice-Chancellor allegedly took part in the procurement processes for the refurbishment of the official residence.
- The Vice-Chancellor allegedly used university resources to pay for the VC's PA trip to the 2022 ZAIRI International Awards in Dubai.
The National Health, Education, and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) has implicated the university’s Council and executive management in these allegations.
In the statement, Unisa responded:
The university is disturbed by the unfounded and spurious allegations leveled against the Council of the university and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor.
Unisa further said that these allegations were neither based on facts nor reality but rather on innuendo and slander.
The university has expressed that some of the critical issues raised require further clarification for the benefit of the public and stakeholders.
The trade union’s Regional Chairperson Ivan Mogale has confirmed that it will be shutting down the university in protest due to the mentioned allegations.
