By now most of you would have seen or read the news on television and print media over the weekend, seeking to portray the university in a negative light.
SABC News ran with a news report on Friday, 16 August 2024 under the heading “Unisa struggling to restore its battered image”, while the City Press edition of Sunday, 18 August 2024 ran with a story headlined “Unisa ‘can’t locate’ corruption documents”. A common theme in these reports is that both are spurious, sensational and intended only to sustain an ongoing nefarious campaign against the university and its leadership. Nothing of substance was adduced by these reports to support the sensational headlines
The university accordingly dismisses these reports and would like to set the record straight as follows:
On the assertion that Unisa is struggling to restore its image
The university notes with disappointment that whilst SABC News ran with the headline about Unisa’s image, the content of its reporting is completely removed from any reputation or image related issues. Instead, all that is presented is a subjective tirade from a disgruntled former employee who was rightfully dismissed for serious acts of misconduct.
The reputation and image of an institution should be mainly judged against how it fares in the delivery of its mandate and core business. In Unisa’s case, there is evidence aplenty of the steady improvements it has been making in the last three years. For example, its continuing rise in several international university rankings, continuous improvements in research output, local and international recognition of its academics, increasing strategic partnerships with local and international institutions and consistent production of quality graduates (an average of 40 000 per graduation period) can definitely not be signs of an institution struggling to restore its image. The academic project at Unisa remains intact and keeps improving.
Our student numbers remain within the approved enrolment plan of 378 000 students, with millions applying each year to study with Unisa. This is but another affirmation that the Unisa brand remains strong and many aspiring students in South Africa and abroad still consider Unisa as a university of choice.
On the dispute between the former Registrar and the university
The university remains of the firm view that its dismissal of the former Registrar was correct. The university respects the rule of law and the fact that the former Registrar initiated legal proceedings challenging his dismissal. The matter is currently before court and the university prefers to deal with the issue in court and not through the media. The ploy by the former registrar to conduct a parallel trial through the media is ill-advised. It would be wise of him to allow the process he initiated to be ventilated and concluded in court. The same would apply to any other individual who has a grievance against the institution.
On the DHET’s request for certain Unisa reports
Correspondence and engagements between Unisa and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) are the subject of strict protocol and confidentiality. They are limited strictly between the two parties and not for public or media consumption. It is also not university policy or practice to legitimise documents or information obtained through dubious, unofficial means.
On the matter pertaining to the Executive Director: Finance, Dr Reshma Mathura
The university reiterates its long-held stance that it does not divulge or give public commentary on any ongoing investigations. Neither does it deal with any disciplinary matters between itself and its employees through the media. The matter pertaining to Dr Mathura is no exception to this rule. Any engagement between the university and her takes place between designated officials within the university and Dr Mathura and/or her representatives.
Unisa legal services department has appointed a firm of attorneys to investigate allegations of misconduct against Dr Mathura. This investigation is ongoing. Dr Mathura remains suspended pending the finalisation of the investigation.
On dealing with allegations and/or suspicions of misconduct and corruption
Unisa has a zero tolerance towards serious misconduct and acts of malfeasance and corruption. It also has a strong governance regime and conducts its business in accordance with policy and the law. Therefore, any reports or suspicions of serious misconduct and/or malfeasance or corruption are attended to without fear, favour or prejudice, though with due regard for the rights of those implicated. Investigations are carried out with the requisite professionalism, sensitivity and thoroughness. When concluded and evidence exists of misconduct, requisite action is taken regardless of the implicated party’s position in the university.
Publish date: 2024/08/19