Pandor dissolves University of Fort Hare's council to 'ensure good governance'
The University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) council has been dissolved with immediate effect and an administrator has been appointed to take over governance of the university.
The announcement made by minister at the department of higher education and training (DHET) Dr Naledi Pandor on Friday afternoon, comes in the wake of media reports on incidents that laid bare the deep divisions within the university council.
On Friday the Dispatch reported on a move by some council members to suspend the university’s vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu earlier this month.
The members cited a number of allegations of misconduct contained in an audit risk committee report made against Buhlungu as the reason for the suspension.
The move was deemed invalid by the university, stating that the members did not have the quorum to vote on such decision.
According to the university, there are 26 voting members in council and only nine members voted on this decision.In a media statement issued on Friday afternoon, Pandor stated; “Following the range of reports in the media and the purported collapse of the council at the university, I have taken the decision to intervene directly to ensure good governance at the university, and to make certain that an environment conducive to teaching, learning and research prevails.”“Given the seriousness of the situation, I have decided to appoint an administrator to take over the governance of the University of Fort Hare for a period of twelve months, effective immediately.“This means that the council is dissolved from the date of appointment of the administrator,” stated Pandor...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
This article is free to read if you register or sign in.
If you have already registered or subscribed, please sign in to continue.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@dispatchlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.