Today, 14 October 2011, the Director General, Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde, delegated by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, met with the Council of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) to consult them on the findings and recommendations of the Independent Assessor and the Minister’s intention to appoint an Administrator for WSU, as is required by Section 41A of the Higher Education Act, 1997, as amended.
The report of the Independent Assessor gazetted on 28 September 2011 highlighted serious problems in the governance and financial management of the WSU which are undermining the effective functioning of the institution. The key recommendation of the Independent Assessor is that an Administrator should be appointed.
After discussion it was agreed that time would be given to Council and other university stakeholders to respond to the Independent Assessor’s report and the Minister’s intention to appoint an Administrator. Such responses should be sent to the Minister by Wednesday 19 October 2011. After receiving these responses, the Minister will make his final decision regarding the way forward and on the appointment of an Administrator.
Contrary to some media reports, it must be emphasised that the Council is still the legitimate governing body of the WSU and should discharge its fiduciary duties accordingly. The Vice Chancellor and the management team are still responsible for the overall management and operations of the university and should be supported by the university community in order that the institution does not collapse. The Minister and Council call on community members, the unions, student bodies, and the management to support the Council and Executive Management in the interests of the education of our students and the country as a whole. In the interests of the Higher Education system the Council, WSU management and the Department of Higher Education and Training are working hand in hand to stabilise the situation at WSU.
