NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 2466
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02/09/2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 27 OF 2011)

Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

Whether, with reference to the appointment of a certain vice-chancellor (name furnished) to a certain university (name furnished), he intends taking any action against the appointment of the said person; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the status of the investigation into his misconduct and (b) action will be taken upon his return from the two-week compulsory leave?

NW2876E

REPLY:

(a) I have appointed Prof T Mosia as Administrator for the Tshwane University of Technology. During his term as Administrator, Prof Mosia is expected to take over the authority of the Council and the function of the Vice-Chancellor. Prof Mosia will also ensure that all appointments made into senior managements posts and in particular the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Molefe is in accordance with the requirements of the advertised post of Vice-Chancellor. He is expected to manage the non compliance to requirements within the prescripts of the law.

It is the duty of the Administrator to ensure that an appropriate and properly qualified candidate is appointed to the post of the Vice-Chancellor. Prof Molefe was requested to provide proof by not later than 14 October 2011 that his foreign qualification has been properly evaluated and accredited by a statutory body assigned to perform this function in terms of the laws of South Africa.

(b) Serious allegations of the involvement of Prof Molefe in the procurement of a service to bug individuals' telephone lines and emails came to light. The Administrator has taken a decision to investigate the non compliance to procurement policies as this conduct could open the university to lawsuits from the affected individuals. The Administrator is of the view that Prof Molefe's presence at the university will prejudice the investigation and is considering granting Prof Molefe special leave of absence.

Prof Molefe's current leave was extended by the Administrator and he was requested to provide reasons within ten days why he should not be granted special leave.

Issued by Parliament, September 27 2011

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