The University of Cape Town, one of Africa’s top universities, has found itself in a negative publicity storm in the past fortnight over governance issues relating to its leadership.
The controversy, in which vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng cut short her study and research sabbatical, was apparently sparked by the resignation of one of her deputies, Lis Lange, early this year.
Her departure follows the resignations of several senior staff, including deputy vice-chancellor for transformation Loretta Feris in April 2021. Dean of commerce Linda Ronnie resigned at about the same time. The head of UCT’s convocation, Eddy Maloka, resigned that year, too.
According to a Daily Maverick article, a letter citing the reason for Lange’s resignation was read out at a senate meeting on September 30. In it she describes being pushed out due to a breakdown in her relationship with Phakeng.
Council deputy chair Pheladi Gwangwa has said in a statement there were “concerning governance and procedural matters” in the way the senate meeting was conducted. The senate is an academic body of 400 professors. After this meeting, Phakeng returned early from her sabbatical, which was due to end on February 2.
Attempts by the university’s council and senate, part of the institution’s governance structures, to resolve the contested issues have failed.
As a result, the chair of council — chartered accountant Babalwa Ngonyama — has called for an independent probe by a retired judge.
At its special meeting on October 6, the council resolved to set up a subcommittee to look into the contested issues.
Understandably, the saga has caused concern among the university’s stakeholders including past presidents, alumni and supporters. It even drowned the positive news that the university has significantly improved in international rankings.
Deserves support
An internal process to look into the issues is important but unlikely to inspire confidence and unity among all stakeholders. Only an independent inquiry can generate the requisite confidence and co-operation of all parties.
Ngonyama’s proposal for an independent investigation, led by a retired judge, deserves support of all stakeholders. This is important given that the matters to be investigated include both herself and Phakeng.
For obvious reasons, including that the university needs to concentrate on its core business of teaching, learning and research, the probe should be thorough but quickly undertaken and concluded.
To enhance its credibility, both Phakeng and Ngonyama should consider stepping aside from active duty and offer their full co-operation with the investigating judge. This should not be seen as an admission of any guilt, but a genuine attempt to have a credible process that places the best interests of the university above personal consideration.
Indeed, all stakeholders should offer their full co-operation with the investigation, and avoid defensiveness and divisive postures.
The university, which churns out potential future business leaders and innovators, is too important to be mired in debilitating controversy, and everything should be done to protect its reputation.
Like other institutions of higher learning in our country, UCT has faced many serious challenges. It has overcome past difficulties, and it can overcome the current storm. But it is critical that the proposed investigation is conducted with absolute integrity and professionalism.
Once the investigation is completed, the process of healing and unity should be undertaken so that an environment of learning, teaching and research is created.
Though the controversy has affected the university’s public reputation, there is no evidence that it has affected teaching and learning. But if let unaddressed, it could create an environment of toxicity, leading to a flight of top talent and scaring off funders.
UCT should also fill the vacant position of the ombud so that disagreements do not develop into full-blown disputes. Had this office been occupied, perhaps the current issue would not have escalated into what it is now.
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