The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has expressed concern over the recent developments at UNISA, a university in South Africa, as it faces potential financial and maladministration issues. The High Court in Pretoria has interdicted Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande from placing the university under administration. This comes after an independent assessor's report revealed pressing financial and maladministration issues and attempts to undermine UNISA's effective functioning. SASCO's Inga Ketwa found the minister's action premature and worrisome, as placing a large institution like UNISA under administration would have financial implications and cause anxiety during students' final semester exams.
Nzimande, who is expected to hold a media briefing on Friday to announce his final decision on UNISA's fate, has agreed to abide by the court ruling. The order, which reaffirms an earlier order by Justice Adams on August 24, is effective immediately. However, workers union NEHAWU supports the minister's decision, stating that they have been at the forefront of efforts to end maladministration, poor governance, corruption, and dictatorship in the institution.
Senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg's Institute for Advanced Studies, Dr Seán Muller, believes that the failed attempt by Nzimande to place UNISA under administration not only damages the institution's reputation but also interferes with institutional autonomy. He explains that while it is important to respect institutional autonomy, the government should not allow interference in university activities and potentially violate their freedom just because universities do not behave as politicians would like them to.
In conclusion, SASCO and other stakeholders are concerned about the potential financial and maladministration implications of placing UNISA under administration without considering the court of law judgment presented on August 24th.
