media releases - Search committee for appointment of VC rejects appointment

The search committee involved in the appointment of Unisa’s new Principal and Vice-Chancellor has rejected the nomination of the current Senate representative on the search committee. The process of nominating the person to this committee violated the principles of good governance at the University.

The Senate executive committee, which chose the representative from Senate, was chaired by one of the candidates for the position of Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and also included three other internal candidates.

The search committee decided this was a gross violation of good governance and called on the executive committee of Senate to reconvene by 29 April and choose a representative on the search committee.  The search committee will reconvene on 30 April. 

The shortlisting of candidates will then continue with interviews taking place in mid May. An announcement of Unisa’s new Principal and Vice-Chancellor will be made on 18 June as scheduled following the final decision by Council.

Unisa’s incumbent Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barney Pityana retires at the end of this year.

Dr. Mathews Phosa
Chairperson
University of South Africa