Manamela moves to appoint independent assessor at University of Venda amid governance crisis

Minister invokes legal powers to appoint assessor Citing the seriousness of the situation, Manamela invoked section 44(1) of the Higher Education Act to notify the council of his intention to appoint an independent assessor, a step aimed at preventing further deterioration in the university’s governance.“Should the independent assessor be appointed, they will investigate, among other things, the various allegations levelled against the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the current state of governance at the University as well as the functioning and effectiveness of the University’s governance and executive management structures,” said the ministry.

Higher education minister Buti Manamela revealed on Monday that he notified the University of Venda Council of his intention to appoint an independent assessor to investigate the institution.