Nzimande considering appointing an Ombudsman to look into SA universities

The Minister of Higher Education Training is considering appointing an ombudsman is curb that growing matters of corruption, maladministration and fraud plaguing South African universities.

PROBLEMS FACE BY SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES

In one of the latest cases, Unisa’s vice-chancellor Puleng Lenkebula, was the main subject of a scathing 300 page report by independent assessor Professor Themba Mosia.

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Amongst the assessors findings, was that the VC flouted procurement procedures, splurging university funds on the upgrade of her official residence up R3million, purchase of a Mercedes-Benz, hiring of additional staff which included a chef and social media manager for her office.

While in the Eastern Cape, the University of Fort Hare is currently under investigation of the SIU.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Department of Higher Education spokesperson, Ismael Mnisi says the minister is considering appointing an ombudsman to remedy the situation.

“The minister has considered the appointment of an ombudsman who will look at issues of governance across our system and secondly, we have produced what we call the ‘guidelines for good corporative governance in our institutions. It clearly stipulates the role of council and the role of management”, says Mnisi.

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“There are instances where corruption has found it’s way to our institutions. This is a reflection of what’s happening in the country.
Now we have seen a number of people given the procurement that is taking place in our institutions where they are now gunning to benefit from the procurement that these institutions are doing .

“This takes place on a range of services that our institutions are having from transport of learners, accommodations and academia.”

MABUYANE ALLEGATIONS MAY BE A MISUNDERSTANDING

When pressed on the Eastern Mabuyane case over alleged degree fraud, Mnisi says

“We need to understand the context that is taking place in the UFH particularly when it relates to the courses and we have now come to realise that there is a misunderstanding of the RPL system (recognition of prior learning) within our institutions. The minister has been very vocal and in support of that system which we believe partly what is causing problems at UFH” says Mnisi.

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Mabuyane is currently implicated in a forensic report in fraudulent admission to the institution and registration for a Master’s degree and, later, a PhD in Public Administration, although only having a BCom degree.

The University of Cape Town(UCT) defines RPL as:

Recognition of Prior Learning is the identification, assessment and acknowledgement of the full range of an individual’s skills, competencies, knowledge and work ethos obtained through informal training, certificated learning, non-accredited courses, workshops, on-the-job and life experience. Existent learning and experience are compared against the learning outcomes required for a specific qualification.

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The University of Fort Hare states that candidates who have passed with School Leaving (matric) may be considered through recognition of prior learning provided that:

• They apply for recognition of prior learning.
• Have portfolio of evidence that they have studied some courses.
• Receive Senate approval of the RPL application.