The FF Plus today lodged a complaint on behalf of a UNISA employee with the Public Protector (PP) due to ongoing irregularities at the institution. This specific case relates to an apparent unlawful appointment.
UNISA’s corporate governance has been in crisis for quite some time. Reports by a ministerial task team and an independent assessor that exposed extensive irregularities and mismanagement did not have the desired effect.
The appointment in question revolves around an employee who had retired, but was subsequently rehired on a twelve-month term contract.
The appointment violates UNISA’s rules. Although the rules do make provision for such appointments, they determine that no person older than 65 years may be appointed in this way, unless there are truly compelling reasons to do so.
In addition, the correct procedure to take such a decision was not followed. The candidate also does not possess the scarce skills required for the position.
The FF Plus sent written questions about the matter to the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande.
It is reasonable to conclude from the replies that UNISA misled the Minister. Among other things, the candidate is said to possess the scarce skill of offering protection to VIPs, but that skill does not even feature in the relevant job description.
The FF Plus ultimately decided that the parliamentary process also did not have the desired effect and that the next step is to lodge a complaint with the PP.
This single case will not bring the University to a standstill, however, these are the kinds of irregularities that are frequently pointed out in reports but continue with impunity.
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