An investigation has been launched by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) into damning reports of the selling of sought-after places at the Medical School.
It is reported by UKZN spokesperson, Lesiba Seshoka that the investigation was opened after a whistle-blower brought to their attention that an alleged syndicate was operational within the corridors of UKZN.
Also see: Breaking the silence on corruption
The initial article was published by The Sunday Tribune of the alleged syndicate which reportedly involves high ranking academics and administration staff.
“The allegations were brought to our attention in April. We received the initial claims from a whistle-blower about the alleged syndicate and an investigation is ongoing. We strongly condemn corruption at the university. Those making allegations need to come forward with any information that can assist the university with their investigation,” said Mr Seshoka to the Tribune.
This syndicate reportedly facilitated the registration of a list of students in varying years of study, whose race is the issue of contention.
Allegedly, this syndicate colluded with Indian South Africans to pass themselves off as Coloureds in order to be enrolled into the UKZN Medical School for an undisclosed amount of money.
Why? According to IOL News Service, In 2015 and 2016 Indian South Africans needed to score a minimum of 90.83 per cent overall in matric to be eligible to study medicine at UKZN. For the same period, Coloured pupils needed a score of 65 per cent.
According to IOL, the guidelines for the selection of first year students states that the university should take 69 per cent African students, 19 per cent Indian, nine per cent Coloured, two percent White and one per cent other. UKZN said these guidelines were applied as best as possible although other factors like the calibre of students and the number of applications received in a year were also taken into account.
UKZN’s database shows that 10 students were registered as Coloureds and there was no way for the university to confirm their ethnicity until the investigation is done.
It was also confirmed that further investigations were being carried out to acquire sufficient evidence to enable the university to refer the matter to SAPS.
