Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande has placed the University of South Africa under administration.
He made the announcement in a notice published in the Government Gazette on Friday.
Former University of Johannesburg chancellor Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed administrator of the open distance university which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Nzimande made the announcement while the university was hosting its final spring graduation. The university was a hive of activity with leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Engenas Joseph Lekganyane was being conferred with an honorary doctorate in theology.
In the notice, Nzimande announced that the administrator will take over the role, powers, functions and duties of the university council for a period of 24 months.
The administrator will also take over and execute the management of the university.
“Initiate an independent external investigation (a forensic audit) into the range of financial control weaknesses and financial irregularities identified in the (independent assessor’s) report as a matter of urgency.
“Further where criminal activity is evident, full legal processes must follow so that there is visible consequence management for illicit practice,” reads the notice.
In accordance with notice, the current members of executive management would be allowed to serve out their current terms.
“The administrator must, based on the performance assessment determine whether their terms should be extended or not. Where new senior management appointments must be made, the administrator must ensure that there are necessary employment probity assessments for new recruits,” reads the notice.
Prof Lenka-Bula inherited problems
In the notice, Nzimande said the report of the independent assessor Dr Themba Mosia found that the vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula assumed office when Unisa was transitioning from the period 2016-2020 that was described as problematic by many, as was pointed out that she did not inherit a properly working institution.
“The management committee (ManCom) knowingly took irregular financial decisions that had and have far-reaching consequences for the university. These include ManCom’s decision to implement selective salary adjustments to academic staff, and some portion of the support staff; the laptop scheme, etc,” reads the notice.
“The condonation of financial irregularities by council and its failure to hold management accountable points to council’s failure. Overall, the council is found to have failed to fulfil its fiduciary responsibilities and being careless in the execution of its fiduciary duties; to ensure that the university is well-managed and yet performance bonuses were being paid to the executive management; and in its duty to protect the good name and reputation of the University,” reads the notice.
There are currently two cases before the Pretoria High Court by LenkaBula and the chairperson of the university James Maboa to challenge the findings of the report and Nzimande’s decision to place the institution under administration.
