The NWU Council held its ordinary meeting on Thursday, 22 November 2018. During this meeting a letter from a law firm acting on behalf of a group of clients was tabled and discussed.
The letter, addressed to the NWU Council, certain Council structures as well as individual members of Council and management, contains various allegations raised by clients of the firm who are apparently all direct and indirect stakeholders of the university. The letter clearly states that the persons who raised the concerns want to remain anonymous for the time being.
The issues contained in the letter include the use of the official vice-chancellor’s residence in Potchefstroom, the appointment of senior staff members, separation packages paid to senior managers, as well as progress regarding the investigation into alleged cases of plagiarism.
Council is aware of the issues contained in the letter. These are not new information and are mostly known matters which were handled by Council and recorded accordingly.
In accordance with good governance, the university has various policies in place allowing staff, students and the public to report any suspected irregularities. This includes the policy on the reporting of maladministration and irregularities and the protection of disclosure.
After thorough discussion, Council has taken a resolution on the handling of the matter and will respond to the law firm accordingly.
Council reiterates its stance that they are appointed to govern the NWU in terms of all applicable acts, policies and rules. Council encourages all stakeholders to continue to use the existing university channels to report matters which are of concern to them, and to exhaust all of these in accordance with the university’s governance framework.
The university has recorded significant achievements in the areas of research and innovation, teaching and learning, as well as student life, as indicated in its 2017 Integrated Report. Council calls on all stakeholders to continue to work together towards the realisation of the university’s dream to be an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic of care.
Enquiries: Louis Jacobs: 082 901 6435
