Johnathan Paoli
University of Cape Town (UCT) council chairperson Norman Arendse has apologised for the governance lapses at the institution, in the wake of damning findings by an independent panel.
Arendse was briefing the Higher Education Portfolio Committee meeting at UCT on Wednesday, following allegations made in an independent panel report implicating former VC Mamokgethi Phakeng and council chairperson, Babalwa Ngonyama, on serious governance failures at the institution.
The chairperson said the council accepted that it did not deal adequately with the issues raised as far back as 2018, when complaints were made to the university’s ombud, and that those involved could have been spared the trauma described by the panel – if it had acted timeously.
READ: Phakeng threatens legal action over ‘damaging and inaccurate’ panel report
The council further apologised to the individuals involved in the investigation that found his predecessor, and former vice chancellor had misled the council about the departure of a former deputy vice-chancellor.
“We indicate our profound regret for not having acted properly and again use this opportunity to apologise unreservedly,” Arendse admitted on behalf of the council.
The council is expected to be meeting this weekend to consider how to best implement the recommendations made by the panel.
UCT appointed a five-member panel late last year to investigate alleged governance issues at the university.
Both Phakeng and Ngonyama have since threatened to approach the Western Cape High Court against the panel’s findings to clear their names.
INSIDE EDUCATION
