A recent report into governance matters at the University of Cape Town has come under criticism from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The report had harsh words for the previous Vice Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng and a number of her associates. It found severe lapses in their conduct and the use of racial divisiveness as tools of control and intimidation.
A statement by the Committee said that it noted objections to the report from student and labour groups, and called for ‘the panel’s report to be set aside and for the department to appoint an independent assessor’.
It continued: ‘The committee also noted with great concern that UCT stakeholders have made allegations of racial micro-aggression. While the institution is undoubtedly academically excellent, its inability to address transformation challenges does not assist the country’s aspirations for a socially cohesive nation, given our divided past. Thus, the committee once again urges the UCT Council and management to honestly and meaningfully engage with stakeholders to address the many dire concerns that have again been expressed by stakeholders in committee meetings. The committee believes that through honest engagement and deliberate planning for transformation, many of these challenges can be addressed.’
The University responded in a statement of its own that while it respected the right of stakeholders to call for the appointment of an assessor, it stood by the report and would proceed with implementing its recommendations.
It continued, ‘The report finds that race was used to sow division. We do not believe that failures in governance and leadership should be construed as a failure in transformation. The report details an abuse of power, bullying and the past failure of Council to act appropriately’.
It added that transformation and affirmative action measures remained a priority for the institution, and that governance lapses should not undermine this.