Corruption inquiry hits SA university

An inquiry is under way into unrest, labour practices and allegations of corruption at the University of the North, Turfloop.

It is the fourth South African higher education institution to be probed since the government obtained new powers to assess problem-plagued campuses.

The inquiry will focus on spending in six departments, the student representative council, security services and a campus pharmacy. It will also investigate alleged irregularities in staff recruitment and promotion.

Meanwhile, former University of the North vice-chancellor Njabulo Ndebele is threatening to go to court if the university reneges on a R600,000 (Pounds 60,000) severance package agreed in July. The package is under investigation.

In July the government used powers granted under the higher education act to look into allegations of mismanagement and corruption at the universities of Venda and Transkei, and Vaal Triangle Technikon.

The technikon has been ordered to speed up disciplinary procedures against vice-chancellor Aubrey Mokadi, suspended on allegations of corruption and maladministration last October.

The inquiry report concluded that the appointment of a dynamic but young and inexperienced academic had been a "bold move" that ended in disaster. It recommended dissolving the technikon council and setting up a new one to decide on Professor Mokadi's future, stopping senior appointments and suspending an early retirement scheme.

Education minister Sibusiso Bengu, the education minister, threatened to withdraw the technikon's R100 million subsidy if it failed to implement the proposals.

The Transkei inquiry centres on the rector's management style, while at Venda the vice-chancellor is accused of credit-card abuse and irregular staff appointments.