THE University of Zululand remains non-committal about the critical leadership vacuum at the helm of the tertiary institution.
This after the Zululand Observer revealed on Monday a string of controversial and ‘secretive’ suspensions and resignations of top employees during the past month.
When questioned about the reasoning for the sudden shake-up at the helm, the university provided a rather cagey response, saying the matter was ‘a subject of investigation’.
‘We cannot provide details at this stage,’ said Director of Communications and Marketing at Unizulu, Normah Zondo.
In the last month several senior employees were suspended, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Rob Midgley, Dean of Students Dr Zethu Mkhize, Director of Finance Cindy Nsibande, Acting Head of the Agricultural Department Dr GE Zharare and Head of the Richards Bay Campus Dr IZ Machi.
The university did however confirm that Registrar Dr MJ Vinger had resigned owing to personal reasons.
The institution would not be drawn into commenting on claims that the staff removals were part of a politically motivated ‘witch-hunt’ and audit at the KwaDlangezwa campus.
Acting
Commenting on rumours that the university faced the risk of closure as a result of the power vacuum, Zondo said ‘staff members had been appointed to act in these positions to ensure the core business of the university continued uninterrupted’.
This arrangement extends right to Professor Xoliswa Mtose herself, who has been Acting Vice-Chancellor since last year, when Fikile Mazibuko suddenly resigned.
Regarding the theft of about R11.5-million, which was accessed online by fraudsters recently, Zondo confirmed that an investigation was in progress.
‘This matter cannot be discussed any further,’ said the Unizulu statement.
Insiders told the Zululand Observer the staff upsets were negatively impacting the university’s operation.
‘Both the ethics committee and research committee have not been meeting.
‘There are many management issues that need attention including hiring of staff, disciplinary matters, teaching disputes, overdue promotions for staff and no one seems to have signing power,’ said a source.
Higher education and training minister Blade Nzimande reportedly sent a team of officials to Unizulu this week to help resolve its troubles while student leaders and management continued negotiations.
@RonelleRamsamy
