City Press reports that Unisa is facing explosive allegations of operating as a “criminal enterprise” that systematically suspends incorruptible staff members to protect a web of corruption. This is asserted in a legal letter from AfriForum to Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela on Thursday.

Advocate Gerrie Nel, representing suspended academics Reshma Mathura and Donald Ndlovu, wrote to Manamela demanding immediate action over what he described as “widespread corruption and mismanagement of funds” at the country’s largest university. Mathura was suspended in April last year, while Ndlovu was suspended in June. In the letter, Nel pulls no punches and submits that corruption at Unisa has “taken root and has prospered.”

The letter reveals that two critical forensic investigation reports – one by PwC and another by Advocate Shaun Abrahams – have allegedly been suppressed by university management, despite clearing the suspended academics of wrongdoing and instead recommending disciplinary action against senior officials. Nel alleges that “a clear practice has emerged whereby staff members who are incorruptible and stand in the way of Unisa management’s illegal abuse of power and illicit spending are suspended to neutralise them.” The letter reveals details about how forensic investigation findings have allegedly been suppressed.

According to Nel, the university management has become “untouchable” due to political connections and he called for immediate ministerial intervention. Unisa and the ministry failed to respond to questions sent to them by City Press.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Abram Mashego at City Press (subscription / trial registration required)

Get other news reports at the SA LabourNews home page