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The Higher Education Transformation Network (HETN) is shocked and disgusted by the silence of the Democratic Alliance (DA) on the alleged incompetence and poor performance by Prof van Jaarsveld. The Democratic Alliance were the first to spread unfounded allegations about the mismanagement of the University of Kwazulu- Natal (UKZN) by Prof Makgoba, former vice chancellor and principal (UKZN), with a view to dent his image and integrity. The Network then could not be convinced otherwise by the DA as Prof. Makgoba is one of the finest black academic South Africa has ever produced.

Prof Makgoba left UKZN in a stable and functional state. Students and all workers (academic staff and general workers) were continuously consulted on important activities of the university under his rein.
All of this was achieved through the cooperation and inputs of his very capable, committed, hard working, competent and experienced colleagues and students, given the good relationship he has developed them.

Prof van Jaarsveld took over an effective, efficient and functioning UKZN from Prof Makgoba and currently, UKZN management practices appear to be going down the drain under the leadership of Prof van Jaarsveld.

The Network is of the opinion that since the appointment of Prof van Jaarsveld, no effective consultations has taken place, thus creating mistrust and disrespect between him and all other stakeholders. It is further our humble opinion that Prof Van Jaarsveld through his management conduct and ideological disposition, knows only "baasskap and a moer and donner die kaffer attitude”, which is not helpful to the effective management of the UKZN at all.

The management conduct displayed by Prof van Jaarsveld goes against the ethos of the Constitution of the Republic, ie human dignity, respect, justice, transparency and fairness, amongst others.  It is our view that, Prof van Jaarsveld’s continued appointment as Vice Chancellor at UKZN is misplaced and is a recipe for failure.

Prof van Jaarsveld’s alleged lack of understanding of the rules and regulations in running the UKZN is a grave concern to us. Noting what has transpired and is currently unfolding at the institution, the Network calls upon Prof van Jaarsveld to do the right thing and step down in the interest of all stakeholders.

In the event that Prof van Jaarsveld refuses to resign, we call upon the UKZN Council chaired by Mr Ayanda Ntsaluba to suspend the Vice-Chancellor and institute an investigation in the fitness of Prof van Jaarsveld to hold further office.
An independent and objective team of investigators must be appointed to investigate all allegations which were penned in a letter signed by executive managers as published in the Sunday Times newspaper dated 22nd November 2015

Issued by The Higher Education Transformation Network