Andy Duffy
The Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa) is seeking to drag Deputy President Thabo Mbeki into a squabble with the Department of Education.
The incident, provoked by queries from the Mail & Guardian about Medunsas future, points to intriguing political dynamics surrounding the university, which enjoys close links with the deputy president.
Medunsas administration contacted Mbeki after the higher education chief director, Professor Itumeleng Mosala, told the M&G how the governments plans to reform tertiary education funding would affect the cash-strapped institution.
The universitys unusual course of action stung Mosala into issuing a statement one that sought to tone down his earlier comments, while accusing the M&G of pursuing some other agenda. Mosala also sent the statement to Mbeki.
The Department of Education also issued a statement after a hasty meeting with Medunsa, implying that Mosala had not made the comments.
Mbeki has a special interest in Medunsa. His representative says the deputy president has raised funds for it offshore. Its vice-chancellor, Professor Ephraim Makgokong, is a member of Mbekis consultative council, an exclusive advisory group of politicians, businessmen and academics.
Medunsa is responsible for training half the countrys black doctors and dentists, and currently has 3 600 students. But it has been struggling financially, forcing the government to bail it out.
It got R50-million last year, in addition to the governments annual subsidy, which was just under R100-million this year. The government has also been called on to guarantee Medunsas R25-million overdraft, which it needs to cover its operating expenses.
Minister of Education Sibusiso Bengu said earlier this month that Medunsa would merge its veterinary faculty with that of the University of Pretoria, in a bid to cut costs. Mosala told the M&G Medunsas financial difficulties stemmed from its narrow course focus.
Most institutions cross-subsidise costly medical faculties with funds from courses such as arts and humanities courses Medunsa does not offer.
We have not been able to get Medunsa to become multi-faculty. They havent been able to balance their books, Mosala told the M&G. Weve been trying to bail them out every year, but its a hopeless case. We really need to rethink the whole thing, and the Cabinet is going to blow the whistle soon.
Approached by the M&G for a response, Medunsas vice-principal for administration, Professor Thabo Masihleho, demanded to see Mosalas comments. He then sent Mosalas statements, the M&Gs questions and a call for explanation to Mosala, Bengu and Mbeki.
I asked Mosala to clarify these issues because they are libellous, Masihleho says. He declined to say why the university wants Mbeki involved. Do I need a reason? he adds. Many people are friends of Medunsa.
In its joint statement with Medunsa, the department says: The comments … purportedly from an official of the Department of Education, do not represent our position.
The insinuation you attempt to make, that there are divisions between the department and Medunsa, is totally unfounded.
Mbekis representative says the deputy president often receives such correspondence, but that Mbeki prefers to stay out if the matter relates to general policy issues.