Marianne Merten
The University of the Western Cape has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement against senior lecturer Dr Rose September after an internal investigation.
“This matter has been investigated and is now closed,” said UWC rector Professor Cecil Abrahams.
It was alleged that September had been paid twice for an overseas air ticket to attend two conferences in Europe – once by the British Council and once by the Swedish child protection organisation, Raedda Barnen.
The claims were made amid last year’s race for the post of director of the university’s Institute of Child and Family Development. Abrahams said: “Dr September, not sure whether the funds from the British Council would cover the costs for the Geneva visit, applied to Raedda Barnen for funding. This too was approved and paid into her personal account. In both these transactions, the university and its finance department were not informed and, therefore, left unaware of all correspondence.” Abraham says September has since repaid the money to Raedda Barnen.
The investigation also dismissed a complaint by September’s directorship rival, Dr Yawo Amaoteng, over the payment of a R20 000 consultancy fee.