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STAFF REPORTER
Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, said he was deeply troubled by the wide range of problems facing several institutions beset recently by governance, administration, leadership and business continuity challenges.
“The only feasible way to resolve difficult challenges is by an inclusive stakeholder model of governance which allows for voices of dissent, disagreement and dialogue in a peaceful manner inviolable of the rights of all stakeholders,” he said.
Several institutions, including the University of South Africa, the University of Cape Town, Mangosuthu University of Technology, the Vaal University of Technology, the University of KwaZulu Natal and Fort Hare, have been dogged by ongoing challenges.
Nzimande said he had robust discussions with the Council of the University of Fort Hare last Friday as a follow-up meeting on issues raised with him by stakeholders, including Council members.
However, Nzimande noted that universities were given powers of self-governance through the Higher Education Act (1997), which offers capabilities to Councils accountable for the daily administration of universities.
To ensure that Government exercises its proper role, Nzimande said he had tasked the Department to put all these institutions under a watching brief, using all the available instruments provided for in the Higher Education Act.
“This entails close and regular monitoring and all interventions required,” said Nzimande.
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