Nzimande interdicted against placing UNISA under administration

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has interdicted Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande against place the embattled University of South Africa (UNISA) under administration.

The ruling was made on Friday, 6 October 2022.

NZIMANDE INTERDICTED AGAINST PLACING UNISA UNDER ADMINISTRATION

As previously reported by The South African, in August the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation says Minister Blade Nzimande has written to the University of South Africa (UNISA) Council Chairperson  James Maboa, of his intention to place the institution under administration. 

The Department of Higher Education said Minister Nzimande intends to exercise his powers in terms of Section 49B of the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997, which empowers him to appoint an administrator.

In terms of Section 49E of the Higher Education Act, the Council of UNISA will be dissolved upon the appointment of an administrator.

The department’s spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said Nzimande’s decision follows reports by an Independent Assessor,  Professor Themba Mosia  and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on UNISA, Chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai.

On Friday, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that Nzimande should not go ahead with his decision.

“The Minister is ordered to withdraw the notice forthwith upon the granting of this order, the Minister is ordered to immediately cease and desist from taking any steps to publish and implement the Notice or to take any steps of whatever nature to implement the Notice,” the court said.

ALSO READ: Would placing UNISA under administration help the institution?

Minister of Higher Education & Training #BladeNzimande has been interdicted against placing #UNISA under administration. The order was granted this morning. pic.twitter.com/dTUzK65C1Z

— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) October 6, 2023

REPORT EXPOSES MISMANAGEMENT

The scathing 300-page report found that the Vice-Chancellor Puleng Lenkabula has been flouting procurement procedures for five years. Lenkabula is alleged to have slurped on renovations to her VC residence up to the tune of R3 Million. Upgrades include R277 000 for furniture, R600 000 on flooring. The report also details the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz SUV at a cost of almost R2 million and office renovations.

Mosia also exposed how Lenkabula added on additional staff to her office, which included a chef and a head of social media. The new team would cost the University approximately R14 million. Other staff members received salary increases and backpay dating back to 2007.

“Minister Nzimande is satisfied that the Independent Assessor’s report reveals financial and other maladministration of a serious nature which affects the effective functioning of UNISA.

“The Report reveals that the appointment of an administrator is in the best interest of UNISA and of higher education in an open and democratic society,” he said. 

ALSO READ: UNISA’s absurd spending: R285k curtains, R8k vacuum cleaner training