/ 28 August 2000

OUTSPOKEN VENDA LECTURER FACES CHARGES

AN outspoken University of Venda lecturer who mobilised students against the university’s controversial vice-chancellor, Gessler Nkondo, has been charged with violating the university’s rules. Theology lecturer Thivhalaeli Nedohe faces five charges of instigating a class boycott, organising a protest march and running a meeting during working hours. He is expected to appear before the university’s disciplinary committee on September 11 and 12. Nedohe’s outspokenness against Nkondo was strengthened following findings by the Heath investigative unit in March that the vice-chancellor was guilty of abusing a university credit card and irregularly spending more than R200 000 on personal expenses. Nkondo admitted the unauthorised expenditure and pledged to repay the money. The university council, however, appointed the Mokgokong Commission as a result of dissatisfaction with Heath’s findings. This commission found Nkondo not guilty of misusing the credit card. Nedohe is also being charged for criticising the findings of the Mokgokong Commission. – African Eye News Service