Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and legislators are at loggerheads over the “arrogance” displayed by the embattled university’s council members, with one member of parliament expressing doubt about whether the institution’s top brass can grapple with the challenges facing it.
VUT has been grappling with governance issues since it was founded in 2004. The latest incident of instability at the institution was the resignation last month of the chair of council Refilwe Buthelezi, who claimed she could not work in an environment “where council members are divided and take sides”.She was this month replaced by Mandla Radebe, who was unanimously elected to the position.
Two legislators told a parliamentary sitting looking into governance challenges facing a few universities across the country, that the VUT’s council refused to give them an audience when they visited the institution to do their oversight work.
“When I went to do my individual oversight at VUT, a very senior member of that council (deputy chairperson) questioned why we need to do oversight at that institution.
“He went as far as creating the impression I have an interest in the institution outside of doing my work,” said ANC MP Walter Letsie.
“VUT is worrying me. They have gone into administration more than once. I get a sense they are not far off from taking a nosedive and go back to administration… I am saying this based on my interaction with the institution.”
Deputy minister of higher education, science and technology Buti Manamela said the council and VUT’s management would have to furnish the department with a report on what led to MPs being turned away while conducting oversight.
VUT spokesperson Tandi Mapukata said the council respected the mandate of the parliamentary portfolio committee as it relates to its oversight role over public institutions of higher learning.
“The incident in question was not only unfortunate but an aberration in as far as this council is concerned. The council member whose question created the impression that VUT council had an issue with members of parliament visiting the institution, acted independently and outside of the council mandate.”
The VUT council was appointed in August 2021, after the expiry of the term of office of the administrator. The new vice-chancellor started work in February 2022.
Nkosinathi Sishi, the higher education director-general, said the department would continue to monitor VUT. “The department is aware of the resignation of the chair of council and the matters surrounding her resignation and is monitoring the situation and continuing to engage with the university,” he said.
The parliamentary meeting also discussed challenges facing Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and Unisa.
Minister Blade Nzimande last month appointed Lourens van Staden as MUT’s administrator after a report suggested that the university is fraught with the collapse of good governance.
Van Staden took over the role, powers, functions and duties of the MUT council for 24 months.
Sishi said Van Staden would review the senior appointments made this year to ensure that the institutional statute and all applicable policies were strictly adhered to.
Nzimande has also appointed an independent assessor to investigate Unisa.
“The overall purpose of the investigation is to advise the minister on the source and nature of problems, and measures required to restore good governance and management.”
Vice-chancellor of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Peter Mbati is also facing probe looking at whether his appointment was procedural.
Nzimande last month also appointed Norman Duncan to investigate the affairs of Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein in the Free State. Duncan will also investigate the CUT’s financial management systems and human resources policies among others.
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