Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has indicated that her department was prepared to help restore the image and the reputation of the Unisa.
The newly appointed minister briefed the media on Monday where she announced the state of readiness of the National Student Financial Aid Schemes (NSFAS).
Nkabane said her department was aware of some of the challenges facing the institution after it approached the court to have its administration processes halted.
Among other things, the SABC has reported that Unisa was facing a series of challenges including allegations of maladministration, and was being sued for R50 million by former deputy vice-chancellor, and current council member, Professor David Mosoma.
“We do not want to tarnish the image of this institution which is well-known in other countries as one of the best. My approach is going to be that I need to sit down with the council of the institution and get to understand some of the challenges that the institution is facing. My approach is to swiftly stop unnecessary and costly legal battles... We are committed to say we are going to come up with possible and focus on the stability of our higher education institutions,” she said.
In October last year, Unisa successfully interdicted the then minister of higher education, Dr Blade Nzimande from placing the university under administration following the scathing report by the independent assessor, Themba Mosia, who had recommended that Unisa be placed under administration.
Unisa welcomed this interdict saying: “The University of South Africa (Unisa) welcomes the High Court order that interdicts the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (the minister) from placing the university under administration. The order, which reaffirms the earlier order by Justice Adams on 24 August 2023, was handed down today on Friday, 6 October 2023 and is effective immediately.”
It further stated that on August 24 of the same year, the same court interdicted the minister from placing it under administration until the finalisation of urgent application.
“On the 24th of August 2023, the same court ordered ‘that pending the finalisation of the urgent application herein under case number 2023-082535, the first respondent undertakes not to take any decision pursuant to the report entitled ‘Report of the Independent Assessor into the Affairs of the University of South Africa (UNISA)’, dated 31 March 2023, prepared by the second respondent, published in the Government Gazette 48660 (Government Notice 3461) of 26 May 2023,” Unisa said.
Attempts to get comment from Unisa were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The Star
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