STAFF REPORTER
THE University of South Africa (Unisa) has confirmed that the Registrar, Professor Steward Mothata, has been placed on precautionary suspension without providing reasons for the decision.
“The issues leading to the suspension have been outlined to him in a confidential letter shared directly with him and only him. Please note that this is a matter between Professor Mothata and the university, and the standing practice in the university is not to discuss such matters in the public domain, including through the media. There are existing internal platforms for addressing such matters, which all employees are fully conversant with,” said Unisa spokesperson Tommy Huma.
He added that Unisa has noted with concern the spurious allegations attributed to Prof Mothata, in which he is said to have told some media that he is being targeted for telling “the truth” and that the suspension letter is “vague.”
“We want to put it on record that it was necessary for the university to put Prof Mothata on precautionary suspension owing to his conduct which is in breach of the Unisa’s University Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Employee Disciplinary Code.”
Huma said it is the university’s view that the suspension is necessary for the continued functioning and governance of the University. “The university is of the view that due processes were followed, which informed the decision to place the Registrar on suspension.”
The university also noted rumours in the public domain that Council is no longer quorate and cannot hold meetings. The university has obtained a legal opinion stating that Council does quorate and should continue with its business.
The university also reassures its community and other stakeholders that the business of the University is continuing as usual, i.e., teaching and learning, research and innovation and engaged scholarship.
Staff are encouraged to continue going the extra mile in promoting the academic project and providing support services to students.
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