The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has expressed shock at the remarks contained in a statement attributed to the former Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr. Tito Mboweni.
Following Mr. Mboweni’s withdrawal from the ruling party’s candidates to Parliament (National Assembly), a statement was published in his name, stating reasons for his withdrawal.
Minister Nzimande has expressed concerns over paragraph 3.2, where Mr. Mboweni asserts; “I will continue to work with universities and pass on my experience to the students. Incidentally, I am Hon Professor of economics at a number of universities. I very much enjoy this work. If the Minister of Higher Education does not block my nominations, I will also play a role as Chancellor or Chairman of Council at one or the other university.”
While the Minister remains appreciative of the role played by Mr. Mboweni in the higher education and training space, he is disturbed by nuances or inferences that he could “block” Mr. Mboweni’s nominations or appointments in any of our institutions of higher learning.
Dr. Nzimande has put it on record that Chairpersons of University Councils and Chancellors are appointed by University Councils and that the Ministry of Higher Education and Training plays no role in that regard.
The University of Natal conferred an honorary doctorate on Mr. Mboweni in 2001. In 2002, he was installed as Chancellor of the North West University after having been elected by the University Council. He has also served as Honorary or Extraordinary Professor in a number of higher education institutions.
All these and many other appointments and accolades never required the Minister’s approval but were outcomes of University Council processes.
The Minister will engage Mr. Mboweni on the matter in good faith, as they continue to enjoy cordial relations as colleagues serving in the ruling party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Enquiries:
Vuyo Yekani
Cell: 078 111 0668
E-mail: Yekani.L@dhet.gov.za
