Question NW1984 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Reply:

1. Following the report on the University of South Africa that alleges deep-rooted corruption in the institution and its management.

• 1. How does the Department intend to intervene?

Assuming that the Report in question is the Report of the Independent Assessor, Prof Themba Mosia, the Minister has shared the Report with the Council of the University for its response as required by the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended) (the Act). Minister subsequently received the report in the form of a package (the size of two shoe boxes) on 12 June 2023 at the time of drafting an answer to the question from the Honourable Mogale. Before Minister makes any decision, he needs to consider the findings and recommendations of the Report, the Council’s response thereto, as well the interests of UNISA as per the prescripts of the Higher Education Act.

1.2 By what date will the specified intervention occur?

Minister will intervene as soon as he has considered Unisa’s response which is currently being processed by the legal team and relevant officials.

1. Support provided by the Department to the University Management over the concerns that were raised prior to the report being released over the past five years.

 

• 1. In the past, the Department supported Management with addressing accreditation challenges, providing requisite funding for key projects to enhance campus safety and access, and intervened when responses to student complaints were inadequate, throughputs were declining and the underspending of earmarked grants persisted, by engaging Management on corrective steps.