A THIRTY month administration period at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) comes to an end next month as the new Council for the tertiary institution is officially constituted on 8 October.
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, intervened at the troubled institution two years ago following alleged irregularities in areas of management, governance, procurement, admission and registration of students, among others.
Professor Chris de Beer was subsequently appointed as administrator on 18 April 2011 after the Minister dissolved the university Council.
De Beer had been tasked with concluding a forensic audit into the affairs of the university.
In February last year, findings from the audit team showed serious and repeated transgressions of university policy and procedures.
Of particular concern were indications of collusion between some students and staff in unacceptable practices.
This included processes and protocol for the issuing and auditing of blank degrees and diploma certificates, resulting in employees being in possession of large numbers of blank certificates, which could have been used to issue false certificates.
The forensic audit also revealed irregular admission and registration of students who did not meet the minimum admission criteria and repeated infringement of procurement policies leading to preferential treatment and self-enrichment by some members of Council and staff.
It further emerged that some students admitted they were irregularly registered and were required to pay a ‘facilitation fee’ that ranged between R1 500 to R3 900 per student.
Implicated
In an exclusive interview with the Zululand Observer on Friday, Professor De Beer said three forensic audits had been concluded during the administration period after additional information ‘arrived at my office’.
‘This implicated more than 30 members of staff and we acted against them in accordance with relevant disciplinary processes. All matters have been concluded and in some instances, criminalities were determined, which were forwarded to the SAP.
‘Most of the implicated staff members left the university. We have since tried to instill a culture of good administration and governance,’ said De Beer.
He said they had managed to revise the management model of the university and had appointed competent people who would take the university forward.
‘I firmly believe the university is well positioned to function well under the guidance and governance of the new Council,’ added De Beer.
