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Memorandum from the Parliamentary Office
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1574
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08/06/2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 17 OF 2012)
Mr B M Bhanga (Cope) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether he intends to place the University of KwaZulu-Natal under
administration; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what
are the relevant details?
NW1899E
REPLY:
At this stage I am not considering putting the University of Kwazulu-Natal
(UKZN) under administration. In terms of the Higher Education Act, 1997
(Act No. 101 of 1997) as amended, the Minister of Education may appoint an
Administrator for a public higher education institution in terms of section
41A of the Act, which states:
41A Appointment of administrator
(1) If an audit of the financial records of a public higher education
institution, or an investigation by an independent assessor as
contemplated in section 47, reveals financial or other mal-
administration of a serious nature at a public higher education
institution or the serious undermining of the effective functioning of
a public higher education institution, the Minister may, after
consultation with the council of the public higher education
institution concerned, if practicable, and notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, appoint a person as administrator to take over
the authority of the council or the management of the institution and
perform the functions relating to governance or management on behalf
of the institution for a period determined by the Minister, and such
period may not exceed two years.
I consider the allegations of maladministration and poor governance at UKZN
as reported in the Media in a very serious light. However I believe that
the University Council should be allowed the space to handle these matters
through its own internal governance processes before any outside
intervention is introduced in terms of the Higher Education Act.
I have noted the Councilâs open letter, dated 13 June 2012, on the outcomes
of the investigation into the Vice-Chancellorâs alleged role in Dr Tahir
Pillayâs doctoral thesis. In this regard, I am requesting a full report on
all allegations, including the outcomes of investigations and the actions
taken by Council to remedy the situation.
The response must be informed by an independent investigation into these
allegations. The report must also provide me with a detailed timeframe by
which Council intends finalising this matter.
Compiler/contact persons: Ms P Whittle
Ext: 5248
DIRECTOR â GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 1574 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr B NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE: