VUT_Report 2018_Finale

VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
had left earlier in the year. The following members resigned
from Council in 2018: Mr Patel, Dr Rakometsi, Mr Thabane, Dr
Kwinda and Ms Lee-Sassenberg.
d. The Financial Health of the University
Following the reportable irregularity reported in the 2016/2017
as well as the salary increases in 2018, the finances of the
University took a heavy strain. The University had to dig deeper
into the reserves to stay afloat. The recovery plan that was put
in place did very little to turn the tide. Council was informed by
both PWC and Learning Strategies about the precarious nature
of the finances of the University. It will become important to focus
on a very strict recovery plan going forward.
Subsequent events
Subsequent to the matters as reported for 2018, other events
ensued in 2019 and are listed below:
a. More resignations from Council
Following on the members of Council that resigned in 2018, more
external members resigned during the first half of the year 2019.
This was primarily due to the issues raised with the Minister as
reported above. The following members resigned from Council
during this period: Ms. U Exner, Ms. J Ntwane, Mr. T Thekiso,
Ms. F Yende, Mr I Mabusela, Dr. K Jacobs, Mr. I Maphalane and
Dr. N Xaba. This left Council inquorate and unable to meet the
statutory 60:40 minimum composition. No meetings of Council
were possible.
b. Appointment of Independent Assessors
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. N Pandor,
after consulting with the Council of the Vaal University of
Technology (VUT), appointed Prof. B Pityana, assisted by Prof. R
Ralebipi-Simela, as Independent Assessors for VUT on 10 May
2019 in accordance with the relevant sections of the Act. The
overall purpose of the investigation was to advice the Minister
on:
• The source and nature of problems facing the institution,
including those relating to governance, management,
financial management and procurement practices, human
resources matters, administration matters, and any other
matters that may arise; and,
• Measures required to restore good governance and
management at the Vaal University of Technology.
The Independent Assessors’ Report is still awaited.
c. Intention to appoint an Administrator
On 31 July 2019 the Minister of Higher Education, Science
and Technology, Dr B Nzimande, wrote to the VUT Council
informing it of his intention to appoint and Administrator to
the Vaal University of Technology. The Minister, in terms of
the Higher Education Act of 1997 (as amended), solicited a
response from Council on this intended action. Following this
letter, the remaining members of Council met on 5 August 2019 to
consider the Minister’s letter. The remaining Council members
collectively elected to step down from Council and agreed with
the intended action by the Minister to appoint an administrator
for the University.
d. Appointment of an Administrator
On 15 August 2019, the Minister gazetted the appointment
of Prof. I Rensburg as Administrator for the Vaal University of
Technology. The general and specific terms of reference of the
Administrator are as follows:
• Take over the role, powers, functions and duties of the Vaal
University of Technology Council for a period of 24 months.
• Take over the role, powers, functions and duties of the Vaal
University of Technology Management, until a new Council
can appoint a new management team for the University.
• Identify and initiate processes and initiatives that will
restore proper governance and management at the
University including reviewing the statute if necessary.
• Ensure that a new council for the Vaal University of
Technology is appointed and constituted in accordance
with the institutional statute as soon as is practicable.
• Receive the report of the Independent Assessor and
initiate processes of implementing its recommendations.
e. Early Retirement of the Vice Chancellor and Principal
On assumption of duty, the Administrator announced the early
retirement of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. ZN Zide,
with effect from 31 December 2019. Prof Zide would be on
sabbatical from 01 October 2019 to the end of the year.
Overall Conclusion
Despite the challenges raised above, care was taken to ensure
that there are no cases of deliberate non-compliance and
blatant disregard to rules and legislation. Care has also been
taken to ensure compliance with King 3 and 4 principles and
recommendations as far as possible.
PROFESSOR IL RENSBURG
ADMINISTRATOR
&
DR TD MOKOENA
REGISTRAR
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