The Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde, today met with the Bloemfontein Council of the Central University of Technology (CUT) to discuss the findings and recommendations contained in the Report of the Independent Assessor who had investigated various allegations that had been made against the institution.
Professor Julian Smith of Stellenbosch University was appointed by Minister Blade Nzimande in February to investigate the nature and source of problems facing the institution, which covered matters related to governance, financial management and procurement practices, administration, transformation programme and any other matters.
The meeting today was aimed at giving the Council an opportunity to discuss the Report of the Independent Assessor with the Minister. Mr Qonde was therefore delegated by Minister Nzimande to represent him at the meeting.
The Independent Assessor’s Report was published in the Government Gazette of May 11, 2012 and among its findings and recommendations was that Minister Nzimande should dissolve the institution’s Council and appoint an Administrator to manage the affairs of the University.
No decision about the findings and recommendations was taken at today’s meeting, and the discussions will remain confidential until the DG reports to the Minister who will apply his mind and consider a way forward which he will thereafter communicate to the relevant stakeholders in due course.
The CUT Council, which was led by its Chairperson, Dr SM Seane, undertook to submit additional documents it deems to be relevant to the discussions in the meeting to the department within a week.
Enquires:
Vuyelwa Qinga
Tel: 012 312 5555 / 5538
Fax1: 012 323 5618 / 0865867047
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E-Mail: Qinga.V@dhet.gov.za
Central University of Technology Council meet Department of Higher Education to discuss Independent Assessor's Report
