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By Thapelo Molefe
The University of Limpopo’s governance crisis has taken a turn for the worse, with revelations of the institution’s council operating without any regard for due process or the law.
“They just sit in a meeting and if they believe a faction is strong in that meeting, they just decide in that meeting that let’s vote while removing them without due process,” said Portfolio Committee on Higher Education chairperson Tebogo Letsie.
The university has been plagued by governance issues, including the council’s rejection of ministerial appointees without valid reasons and the extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s term without proper procedures.
The university council’s actions have been described as “clumsy and overreaching” by the committee.
“The last time the Institutional Forum had a conference that we elected was in 2017,” Letsie noted.
The university’s management has also been accused of abusing power and victimising employees.
“There were many allegations of abuse of power from the university management and victimisation of employees who are opposed to the authoritarian management,” Letsie said.
The committee has discovered that the university spent a staggering R14 million on legal fees during the 2023-24 financial year, a 100% increase from the previous year.
“They spent R14 million on legal fees… most of these fees are spent to defend the university against students and staff,” Letsie revealed.
The committee is calling for urgent intervention, including the appointment of an independent assessor or a forensic investigation.
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has been asked to intervene, and the committee is waiting with bated breath for a response.
“We will not hesitate to take action if the university fails to address these concerns,” Letsie warned.
Committee member Letta Maseko emphasised the committee’s commitment to preserving the university’s autonomy while ensuring accountability.
“We want to keep the autonomy of the universities… but where we give money, we have to see value in it,” Maseko said.
“The problem is the management in the universities. Limpopo was not willing to respond to our questions.”
Lerato Khakhau condemned the leadership of the University of Limpopo, stating that it was “disrespectful not only to us as a portfolio committee, but to the ministry and the community it serves”.
Khakhau highlighted the struggles of students from Limpopo, a neglected and poor province, who relied on the institution for their future.
Sihle Ngubane criticised the university’s recruitment process, citing a culture of entitlement.
“They wait until the end of their term, advertise the position and then claim there’s no suitable candidate,” Ngubane said.
“It’s clear they’re taking the institution and us for granted.”
Sanele Zondo stressed the need for accountability, noting that corruption was often attributed to politicians, but the real culprits were those running the institution.
“They become big-headed, thinking the institution is their home, and they can do as they please, breaching regulations,” Zondo said.
Yanga Govana echoed concerns about the university’s leadership, citing its failure to understand their own statute and breaches of the law.
“They’re too old, too tired and forgetful. They must rest,” Govana said.
Sedukanelo Louw called for swift action, advocating for an assessor to be appointed by January and an investigation into corruption.
“We must involve the SIU to expose those who make individuals untouchable,” Louw said. “People can’t be untouchable without backup from politicians.”
INSIDE EDUCATION