to haunt Maties
Deon Wiggett
The University of Stellenbosch has appointed its retired vice-rector into another position, raising fears that the institution has a special relationship with former Broederbonders.
Professor Christo Viljoen, who retired in March, will head the newly established Office for Intellectual Property. The position was not advertised.
University representative Douglas Davis says posts are often not advertised.
“The university is not compelled to advertise all vacant positions. When the best available candidate is already clearly identified, the university frequently saves on the huge advertising costs if the candidate accepts an offer.
“In the light of this, the university considers it unnecessary to advertise the position of director of the Office for Intellectual Property, since its negotiations with Professor Viljoen were successful,” says Davis.
Several campus figures expressed their dismay about the appointment.
Wynoma Michaels, chair of the Student Representative Council, says Viljoen’s appointment is “very problematic”.
“The appointment wasn’t only not transparent, but it assumes there are no people outside the university who are better qualified for the position. More importantly, it prevents fresh new thinking entering the university,” she says.
Annie Gagiano of the English department says it “seems astonishing the university administration could make this appointment in this way – yet again avoiding open competition on merit and creating suspicion of nepotism. So much for the avowed commitment to transparency in university governance.”
A student leader, who prefers to remain anonymous, says the appointment “reminds one of the sort of thing that happened on campus 10 years ago. The university is not compelled to advertise the position, but it is the fair thing to do.
“Every time a Broederbonder leaves the university, one thinks there would be a little more transparency in decision- making. Apparently the university merely reappoints the Broeders.”
Viljoen was revealed as a Broederbonder in Ivor Wilkins and Hans Strydom’s 1978 book The Super- Afrikaners.
Davis says Viljoen was appointed because he has “extensive knowledge of the university as institution” and “good contact with industry”.
Viljoen, who has been involved with the institution for 32 years, will continue to receive his pension from the university, as well as a salary for his new position.
The Office for Intellectual Property is being set up to market the university’s research internationally.