Two of the University of Natal’s decision-making bodies are at loggerheads over the appointment of Professor William Makgoba as a vice-chancellor.
The University’s Council recently appointed Makgoba, but the appointment has been vehemently opposed by the Senate.
On Wednesday the Senate resolved to publicly condemn the Council’s decision to appoint Makgoba. They will also ask Education Minister Kader Asmal to review the role of university councils in decision-making processes.
In the run up to the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville there is some debate as to whether certain appointments should be put on hold until the merger has been completed.
The University Council which will become redundant in less than six months still has the statutory power to make the executive appointment, which may be overturned by a new Council in less than 18 months time.
Sixty percent of the current Council is comprised of outside members who are non-academics and who belong to the city council and local government.
The Senate opposed the appointment of a vice-chancellor to the position until the completion of the restructuring process.
University spokesman William Saunderson-Meyer said: ”The dispute has arisen because of differing attitudes towards procedure. The Senate has objected to the appointment of Professor Makgoba for reasons totally unrelated to his competence.”
In the statement objecting to the Council’s appointment of Makgoba the Senate listed the following reasons:
— ”The Senate believes that the Council has not applied its collective mind to the reasons advised by the Senate and has acted ”ultra vires”.
— ”It believes that Council acted arbitrarily and illegitimately in proceeding with the appointment of a vice-chancellor by ignoring legal opinion, its own requirement of a two-thirds majority, and the required support of Senate.
— ”The Senate further notes that the decision was to act in the interests of expediency, not in accordance with its own established procedure. This could threaten the ability of the University to act effectively and equitably in the future.
— ”The Senate therefore condemns the illegitimate actions of Council in this matter and mandates the executive to engage with the Minister of Education and other relevant bodies to review the composition and powers of university councils.”
The Senate also resolved that a joint meeting of Senate and Council should be held to discuss questions of governance.
Saunderson-Meyer said that the Senate had agreed to meet Makgoba to discuss their objections before the end of June. – Sapa