Mapula Sibanda
A ONE-MAN strike by a University of the North (Turf- loop) academic has plunged the university’s optometry faculty into a crisis.
Deputy dean Sipho Ndlela, who has worked in the department for 21 years, was suspended in the middle of January after refusing to mark 1994 third and final year examination papers.
His strike was a protest against university authorities who “bowed to white pressure” and prevented him assuming a senior departmental post.
Ndlela’s action has resulted in:
* Third year students still waiting for their results and who cannot register for fourth year or receive academic and administrative services.
* Some final year students losing jobs as their qualifications cannot be confirmed.
Both third and final year students are unsure about possible supplementary exams.
According to a source, the saga dates back to 1991 when several white staff members resigned after an announcement that Ndlela was to assume a post as acting head of optometry.
But deputy vice-chancellor John Malatji prevented Ndlela from taking up the post without giving an official reason.
“The rumour was that whites were not prepared to work under a black HOD. And we believe Malatji’s decision was made to appease the situation,” the source said.
He added that Ndlela had tried various protest actions, including suspending his lectures, to force management to clarify his position. A Nigerian doctor appointed as head of department did not assume his post on January 9. No explanation has been given.
The student’s faculty representative, Goliath Tjia, said students only learned of Ndlela’s suspension when management called them in late January to vote in a new acting deputy dean.
“Health faculty students and staff demanded he be immediately reinstated but were told the issue was sub judice as it was being handled by the disciplinary board,” said Tjia.
Students marched on campus last week, calling for the lifting of Ndlela’s conditional suspension, his reinstatement and an open inquiry.
“It is regrettable that we suffer most by this situation, but we are aware of the harassment and problems encountered especially by the black staff,” Tjia added
University spokesman John Wirtshire said Turfloop was doing its best to see students received their results.
Professor Servid Mashego, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and research, refused to comment. “Both sides are represented by their lawyers, and I cannot say anything for fear of prejudicing any side.”
Ndlela concurred: “It would not be prudent for me to give you the story as my hands are handcuffed, and the matter is with the lawyers.”