Nzimande yet to appoint assessor for Unizulu investigation

MINISTER of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Blade Nzimande is yet to decide on whether to appoint an independent assessor to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement at the University of Zululand.

Last year the minister requested the university’s Council to respond as to why he should not appoint an assessor to investigate the institution’s affairs.

In a letter to the Council, Nzimande reportedly expressed concern over newspaper reports about ‘alleged financial irregularities and flouting of supply chain management processes committed by senior management of Unizulu’.

The DHET last week confirmed to the Zululand Observer that Nzimande is currently reviewing the Council’s response.

Nzimande has requested the Council on Higher Education to conduct an institutional audit.

‘When the audit is completed the CHE will advise the minister on their findings and recommendations. The minister will apply his mind in terms of the prescripts of the HE Act,’ the DHET said.

‘The minister has a vested interest in the sound management of universities, ensuring that teaching and learning at these institutions take place under conducive conditions.’

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Unizulu had previously been placed under administration, with the minister also appointing independent assessors in 2010 and 2011.

However, the institution continued to be plagued by allegations, some of which include the alleged splurging of millions on buying and furnishing luxury houses for its top executives.

The university previously stated that there was nothing untoward about the purchase of properties in the Zini River Estate.

Other allegations included rape allegations levelled against senior staff members.

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