TOP academic staff were in the firing line at the University of Zululand as a string of controversial and ‘secretive’ suspensions and resignations took place during the past four weeks.
With no valid reasons given for the sudden shaking at the helm, insiders believe the staff removals are part of a politically motivated ‘witch-hunt’, which is negatively impacting the operations of the university.
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.
In addition, Registrar Dr MJ Vinger has resigned along with other assistants in various departments, leaving a glaring leadership vacuum at the KwaDlangezwa campus.
‘People are just disappearing and no one tells us what is happening. Others have been appointed in acting positions,’ said a source.
‘Auditors are sitting in employees’ offices.
‘Some staff are even being given strict commands to find dirt and incriminating evidence on others.
‘Employees are being threatened for information and if they do not adhere, their jobs are on the line.
‘Many people who disappeared were unpopular with certain powers that be and have been unfairly treated,’ said another top insider.
Accountable
Rumours that the university was to be closed were quickly allayed by Unizulu Council Chairman Cyril Gamede on Monday when he addressed staff at a special briefing, which saw him being ‘booed off’ at the end.
Unizulu staff were held accountable for ‘grotesque’ crime at the university including the theft of about R11.5-million earmarked for the payroll, which was accessed online by fraudsters.
They were also blamed for the students’ reported inability to find jobs and pursue post graduate studies at other universities around the country.
The Council has since instituted an investigation to get to the bottom of alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
‘I actually care about this institution and the students have a huge vested interest in this university.
‘This situation is making me enraged. The students are unhappy about the power vacuum and this has been voiced in their strike action.
‘It is impossible to continue with research as we cannot obtain funding. Things are grinding to a halt,’ a source told the Zululand Observer.
Despite a list of questions being forwarded to the institution on Friday, the university said no response would be forthcoming by Monday. @RonelleRamsamy
Source: Zululand Observer
