Cape Town - The independent panel constituted to probe governance issues at UCT is set to start its work no later than January 23 next year.
The panel led by the retired president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Lex Mpati, is tasked to investigate an alleged breach of governance by vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng and council chairperson Babalwa Ngonyama.
This is after the departure of deputy vice-chancellor of learning and teaching, Associate Professor Lis Lange, who claimed in a letter to the Senate that she was forced out.
The university has seen instability, claims of cabals, race, abuse of power, meetings collapsing and most recently, reports of a new complaint sent to council against Phakeng from a suspended executive director.
In another dramatic turn of events Pheladi Gwangwa was removed as deputy chair of council after a motion of no confidence vote on December 9 during a council meeting.
Acting chair of council Nazeema Mohamed said council would give further attention to the election for Gwangwa’s successor.
“Having considered the legal opinions received, council reviewed and debated the matter of the position of the deputy chair of council and resolved that the incumbent should vacate the position.
“This does not affect the council membership status of the member concerned.”
According to Mohamed, the meeting also focused on the resolution taken in its October 2022 meeting in finalising the constitution of an independent investigation panel and time frames for delivery of its findings, conclusions and recommendations.
“Conscious of the enormity of its task, council has granted the panel a tight time frame to conclude its work, commencing no later than 23 January 2023.
“The names of panel members will be made public once they have accepted the amended timelines.
“Council has elected three members from within its ranks to support the work of this panel, respectful of its independence and with due regard to the rights of all,” said Mohamed.
Meanwhile, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has received a report from UCT council about governance issues which was under consideration by his office.
“The minister will after careful consideration, determine the action to take within the prescripts of the Higher Education Act,” the department said.
This was contained in a reply to a parliamentary question by IFP MP Sanele Zondo.
Cape Times