FROM NSFAS debacle to Unisa facing administration.
Unfortunately, that’s the story of our education system in SA.
This week one of Africa’s oldest university was placed under administration following a damning report, due to serious financial and other maladministration at Unisa.
A report by independent assessor Themba Mosia, revealed the university lacked proper governance, and was riddled with maladministration and corruption-related issues.
Mosia made 26 recommendations to Nzimande in a 308-page report which included that Unisa be placed under full administration and the council and management be relieved of their duties.
Professor Puleng Lenkabula, vice- chancellor has been having tough times in dealing with varsity issues ranging from ‘home-curtains’ to maladministration that hogged headlines.
As a result, minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande decided it was ‘enough’ and placed it under administration, having appointed the ministerial task team (MTT) that conducted an independent review of the university which had massive implications on the financial sustainability and future of Unisa.
“The MTT also made rigorous assessments on how the fourth industrial revolution and its associative disruptions and shifts will affect many aspects of the academic mission, academic programmes, market, and operating model of Unisa,” saidDepartmental spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi.
The decision by the minister amplified a court bid to declare the university council null and void filed by the institution’s former registrar, Prof. Steward Mothata, who was axed by Prof Lenkabula in June 27.
Prof Mothata was quoted as having said ‘it was no longer properly constituted following the resignation of several members’.
This does not augur well for Unisa brand and will affect morale of students on the Continent.
Meanwhile, NSFAS is also facing a public outcry following the disbursement of funds to students.
This week its board chairperson Ernest Khosa, addressed media and promised to “sort out the mess as soon as possible”.
Khosa called on tertiary institutions to do their part in helping to verify students who receive aid, and said student registration data is either submitted late or incorrectly, which hampers the organisation.
He also reported R992 272 572 has been paid to students in universities and TVET colleges, for the month of August.
