When in doubt, consult with experts in the field.
For this reason, Newcastle Municipality officials have opened talks with Mangosuthu University of Technology near Umlazi, seeking guidance on establishing a university in town.
This matter arrived before the Executive Committee (Exco) last Tuesday.
Apart from a meeting with Mangosuthu’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Resources and Planning, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, another proposal was received from the Dorothy Nyembe University, to open three campuses in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
IFP councillor, Dr Koos Vorster was first to voice his concerns.
“This is not the first time a campus was proposed. We need to decide if this is the most viable; seek the best option for Newcastle and decide from there.”
Director of Development Planning and Human Settlements, Nokhuthula Thusi explained a visibility study had shown Newcastle could work on both a single and multiple campus model (where students ‘attend’ lectures via a big screen and the Internet.)
However, she felt it prudent to make good use of Mangosuthu’s offer.
In response, Mayor, Afzul Rehman recommended the offer be taken with a no-strings-attached agreement, and without prejudice.
Concluding, he requested acting Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane write to the Department of Higher Education for guidance.
