The assessor will advise the minister on the steps required to restore proper governance, management and administration at the university.
This intervention became necessary as rising tensions between the council and the executive management of TUT has had a negative impact on the governance and management of the institution.
The minister took the decision to appoint the independent assessor after extensive consultations with the University Council.
Dr Maphai will be assisted by a Financial Specialist, Mr Paul Slack and a University Governance and Management Specialist, Dr Derek Swemmer.
In terms of the legal requirements, the independent assessor is required to complete his mandate expeditiously, diligently and professionally. The assessor will provide the minister with a report within thirty days. The terms of reference for the independent assessor were gazetted on Friday, 18 June 2010.
Minister Nzimande said teaching and learning at TUT should continue as normal while the assessor and his team conduct their investigation. He said his department was determined to ensure that stability is restored to the institution and that any form of poor management or bad governance is rooted out.
Contact:
Ranjeni Munusamy
Tel: 012 312 5555 or 021 465 5513
Cell: 072 571 2812
E-mail: munusamy.r@dhet.gov.za
