Unizulu ‘whistle-blower’ denied relief
‘All is well’ says university as allegations of financial misconduct fly
CLAIMS of financial mismanagement, tender manipulation and irregular expenditure at Zululand University could be swept under the carpet after the Durban Labour Court on Friday denied relief to an employee seeking ‘whistle-blower protection’.
Executive Director of Finance Josephine Naicker filed court papers last month claiming she was the victim of a witch-hunt after she levelled charges of fraud and corruption against senior executives internally.
Naicker who was suspended last month, sought relief as she claimed to have made a protected disclosure.
Judge Hamilton Cele did not agree, and on Friday dismissed saying the matter seemed to be an ‘office complaint’.
Naicker’s attorney, Charmane Nel of Macgregor Erasmus confirmed she would on Monday file an application for leave to appeal the decision.
Allegations
It is however the substance of affidavits brought before Judge Cele that paint an altogether more worrying picture of the state of financial affairs at the university, particularly in relation to the R20-million property acquisitions for senior university executives.
Unizulu rubbished accusations made against several senior executives by Naicker in her statements, saying there was nothing untoward about the purchase of properties in the Zini River Estate, an upmarket security estate in Mtunzini.
According to answering affidavits by Vice Chancellor Xoliswa Mtose the purchases were conducted in an attempt to attract and retain senior executives.
‘There is no substance to any of her claims,’ said Unizulu spokesperson Terry Stallard.
‘All allegations of flouting processes are untrue,’ she added, responding to questions on allegations made by Naicker that Supply Chain Management policies had been abused.
Naicker was placed on suspension in April after the university found a virus had infected her work computer.
The university has acquired the services of forensic investigators to determine the source of the virus, which they say placed the institution ‘at serious risk’.
A disciplinary hearing against Naicker will be conducted pending the outcome of the investigation who maintains she is being punished for bringing to light financial wrongdoing.
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