By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@UCT.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is to launch an internal investigation into governance and procedural matters following the extraordinary governance fallout between key university structures.
This was announced by Babalwa Ngonyama, CA (SA), Chair of UCT Council in the wake of dramatic events at the UCT Senate gathering on Friday 30 September.
This follows a meeting of the University Senate in late September, a Special Council meeting on Thursday and a statement issued on Friday by concerned members of the UCT Council.
In the statement, 14 members of council said they are distancing themselves from a “flawed” and irregular process at a special meeting where a motion into an independent investigation by a retired judge was blocked.
The allegations centre on alleged false reasons provided by Ngonyama to the UCT Senate for the early departure of Professor Lis Lange, deputy vice-chancellor for learning and teaching, and the proliferation of secretive non-disclosure agreements signed between Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng and departing senior staff.
Ngonyama told the Senate that Lange wanted to leave of her own accord for personal reasons. In a letter to Senate, Lange strongly disputed this, stating she wanted to stay on for a second term in her position and that she was effectively pushed out by Ngonyama, who told her Phakeng didn’t want her to continue as her deputy.
The motion for an independent investigation was defeated by a different motion, also supported by 14 council members, commissioning an internal, human resources-led investigation into the university Senate’s actions.
The deciding vote fell to deputy council chair Pheladi Gwangwa, who opted for an internal investigation. This was disputed by the dissenting group who argued that Phakeng and Ngonyama, who both voted in the meeting, were conflicted and should have abstained.
Phakeng was previously accused by the former UCT Ombud, Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa, of being a bully who rules by fear and keeps the names of her “enemies” in a little black book.
Phakeng’s term was extended by the council for another five years in March.
Ngonyama meanwhile said UCT chancellor Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, had been briefed by the university on the issues.
Moloi-Motsepe said, “UCT is committed to global best practices relating to governance, transparency, ethics and accountability.”
“Within the context of my titular and ceremonial responsibilities as chancellor, I’ve been engaging with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure that the respect and credibility that UCT enjoys globally, as an academic institution that upholds the highest standards of governance, transparency, ethics and accountability is maintained and enhanced.”
“I will continue to engage with the leadership and other internal and external stakeholders of the University in relation to the current governance challenges at the university.”
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande have entered the fray at the troubled University of Cape Town, requesting a formal report from the council about the extraordinary governance fallout between key university structures.
“The minister is concerned about UCT council activities as reported by the media. The department requested a formal report from the UCT council to enable the minister to fully appreciate what is currently taking place at the university. Following the formal report from the council, the minister and the department will formally comment on the developments at this institution.”