The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande. Picture: Oupa Mokoena / African News Agency (ANA)
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, is expected to announce his final decision on placing the University of South Africa (UNISA) under administration.
This comes after the university’s governance system has been in the limelight amid allegations of corruption, misconduct, mismanagement, and maladministration.
Nzimande served the university with a notice, following a biting report into its affairs by an independent assessor, Professor Themba Mosia.
Mosia was appointed to investigate all affairs at Unisa, which included tender and supply chain issues.
The scathing report by Mosia, revealed how millions of rands were misused under the watch of both the university’s council and management.
However, the minister expressed his satisfaction with a report released by Mosia.
In August, the university council was given about a week to make written representations on why it should not be placed under administration.
According to the department, the minister delayed making his decision on mutual agreement that the period of the written representations be extended to September 4.
“Being mindful of the legal and administrative requirements, the Minister awaited the response of the UNISA Council and nothing of substance happened more than a month, instead the Council is going about its business as if there is no pending decision to be taken,” it said.
It added that Nzimande could not wait indefinitely without making a decision.
Nzimande’s intention to place the university under administration follows the reports of independent assessor Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on Unisa, Chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai.
kamogelo.moichela@inl.co.za
IOL Politics