Chiara Carter
The University of Transkei (Unitra) council has accepted the major recommendations of a damning report on its affairs commissioned by Minister of Education Sibusiso Bengu.
These include the immediate departure of the university’s controversial principal, Professor Alfred Moleah, the resumption of all official duties by its vice- principal Professor JM Noruwana and a forensic audit of the university’s finances.
The report by lawyer Louis Skweyiya said the relationship between Moleah and the university community had broken down irretrievably. The council adopted a resolution noting that for “several cogent reasons” the continued tenure of Moleah was “untenable to both the university and Moleah”.
The council accepted a letter from Moleah giving notice that he did not want to renew his contract, which expires in June next year. A severance package is to be agreed this week and Moleah is to go on paid leave from next weekend until his contract expires.
The council refused to ratify Moleah’s dismissal of about 500 workers and said management had exceeded its authority.
Skweyiya advised the university to embark on a year-long restructuring process. Council agreed to examine plans for restructuring drawn up by university management and agreed that students must be made to pay fees.
Skweyiya noted widespread allegations of corruption, mismanagement and fraud and recommended a thorough investigation.