By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has placed registrar, Professor Steward Mothata, on precautionary suspension.
In a statement on Tuesday, Unisa said the issues leading to the suspension had been outlined to Mothata in a confidential letter shared only with him.
“Please note that this is a matter between Professor Mothata and the university, and the standing practice in the university is not to discuss such matters in the public domain, including through the media. There are existing internal platforms for addressing such matters, which all employees are fully conversant with,” it said.
The institution added that it was necessary for the university to put Mothata on precautionary suspension “owing to his conduct which is in breach of Unisa’s university code of ethics and conduct and the employee disciplinary code”.
It said,”It is the university’s view that the suspension is necessary for the continued functioning and governance of the university. The university is of the view that due processes were followed which informed the decision to place the registrar on suspension.
The institution added that it had heard speculation that the council was no longer quorate and, as such, couldn’t hold meetings.
“The university has obtained a legal opinion that states that council does quorate and should therefore continue with its business. The university also reassures its community and other stakeholders that the business of the university is continuing as usual, i.e., teaching and learning, research and innovation and engaged scholarship,” it said.
According to a letter signed by vice-chancellor (VC) Puleng LenkaBula, Mothata was told that he had breached policies and procedures in serious allegations of misconduct pertaining to breach of confidentiality, gross abuse of office, gross dishonesty, gross insubordination and giving and making false or damaging statements in the execution of his duties.
LenkaBula’s letter stated: In addition to the nature of the misconduct and the seriousness thereof, I am convinced that your continued role as the university registrar and secretary of council will continue to jeopardise and undermine the official business of the university and that of council because there exists a reasonable fear that misconduct of a similar nature may continue; concern that you might interfere with witnesses and/or the smooth running of the hearing; and your continued presence in the workplace will have a negative effect on the ordinary business of the university, governance, and the performance of your co-workers.
Mothata has been suspended for 90 days and will still receive a salary and benefits. However, he has been prohibited from entering Unisa’s premises and is not required to attend to his duties.
The suspension comes amid a scathing report by independent assessor Professor Themba Mosia into Unisa’s affairs, which recommended that the institution be placed under administration, and that the council and management be relieved of their duties.