Higher education and training department Director General Mary Metcalfe is to leave the department.
Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minister Blade Nzimande and Metcalfe had agreed she would leave the department before the end of April 2011, they said in a joint statement on Monday.
“The DG was asked to establish the DHET and a solid foundation in this regard has been laid.
“The minister wishes to thank the DG for the sterling work done.”
Nzimande was confident the department’s work would proceed with “vigour and urgency” as it tried to establish an effective and responsive post-school education and training system of quality.
‘Nasty fallout’
“The minister and the DG wish to dismiss the media speculation of the 17th of October 2010 of allegations of impropriety on either party,” they said.
On Sunday, City Press reported Metcalfe was set to quit “following a nasty fallout” with Nzimande.
“Three sources in the education field, all of them in government, say Nzimande has demanded that Metcalfe resign after barely a year in her position,” the report said.
Nzimande and Metcalfe’s relationship of more than 20 years had broken down barely a year into the newly formed department.
According to the report, Nzimande had informed Metcalfe he no longer trusted her and that she should leave. — Sapa