The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande has given the Unisa council seven days to respond to plans to place the institution under administration.
Nzimande confirmed in a statement on Monday that he had written to the University of South Africa (Unisa) Council Chairperson, James Maboa, on Friday regarding his intention to appoint an administrator at the university .
The Minister said he intends to exercise his powers in terms of Section 49B of the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997, which empowers him to appoint an administrator and that in terms of Section 49E of the Act, the Council will be dissolved upon the appointment of an administrator.
Nzimande’s decision follows reports by an Independent Assessor, Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on Unisa, Chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai which found irregularities, flaunting of procedures and systematic challenges at the distant learning institution,” said Nzimande adding that he is satisfied with the Independent Assessor’s report.
The Minister said he has afforded the UNISA Council an opportunity to make written representations to him within 7 days of the receipt of his letter.
