EDWIN NAIDU
VAAL Triangle University of Technology (VUT), Executive Director: Advancement, Tandi Mapukata, has confirmed that its Vice-Chancellor Professor Ntate Dan Kgwadi, was placed on special leave.
But Mapukata said commenting further would be a breach of VUT policy as questions pertain to a confidential matter of the employment relationship between Professor Kgwadi and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). However, just like any citizen of the country, Professor Kgwadi has a right to handle his matters in any way he deems fit.
Mapukata said the council remains committed to good governance and institutional stability.
Several initiatives have been launched and are being implemented in response to the Administrator’s Handover Report submitted by Prof Ihron Rensburg at the end of 2021.
This past week, Council sat in a two-day workshop with management and key stakeholders to devise a turnaround strategy and review progress. All stakeholders are united behind Council’s decision to prioritise the institution (VUT) over individuals.
Professor Kgwadi’s suspension came a year after his appointment in February 2022.
However, Professor Kgwadi, who has experienced problems with a knee/leg for over a year and consulted medics to no avail, claimed on Facebook that he had been fired.
“I have just been dismissed from work due to a 14-day sick leave (5 days hospitalisation). That contributes to my lack of performance and probation issues. Going for a labour court race,” he wrote.
In a previous post, the former North-West University vice-chancellor said: “I almost believed that I
am bewitched and about to consult traditionally. Your prayers worked.”
Professor Kgwadi was appointed vice-chancellor on 4 February 2022, ending two years of instability during which VUT was under administration. He told Inside Education that he had been dismissed.
Registrar, Dr Dan Mokoena, will serve as acting vice-chancellor and principal.
INSIDE EDUCATION
