Issued by: SA Communication Service
PRESS RELEASE REGARDING INVESTIGATION INTO IRREGULARITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ISSUE OF DEGREES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
Academic freedom and academic integrity are some of most prized possessions of any University or tertiary institution. It was on the basis of this premise that I agreed to investigate the above irregularities.
The background to this investigation is briefly as follows: Before the graduation ceremony in May 1996 one of the Deans discovered that some of the students who were on the graduation list had not complied with all the requirements and were therefore not supposed to graduate. He immediately alerted the Administration and 27 names were removed from the list.
After the graduation ceremony an investigation was mounted and it was discovered that an official in the Student Affairs Section, one Mr A M Ngubane, had irregularly altered the marks of a number of students to enable them to graduate.
I was subsequently notified of these events by the Principal of the University, Prof CRM Dlamini. A formal complaint was subsequently lodged with my office on 28 August 1996 by the Director General: National Education Department, Prof Manganyi.
At this time an internal investigation involving the firm of Auditors, Messrs De Loitte & Touche was being proceeded with at the University.
I decided to investigate and in October 1996 I appointed Adv Tobie Barnard to link up with the internal investigation with a view to laying the basis for my investigation.
I began a formal investigation on Monday 4 November 1996 at the University. This is currently under way. A total of 24 students and former students were subpoenaed to appear before me. I am assisted by Professor K S Hunt who is the former registrar at Rhodes University and by Advocate T Barnard seconded to my Office by the Department of Justice.
We have heard evidence in respect of 10 cases which are now finalised. In some of these cases money did change hands. 54 University courses are involved and I have recommended that these be withdrawn by the University Council with immediate effect. Some students will no longer be able to graduate as a result of such withdrawal.
Criminal action is already under way in respect of four individuals who are being charged with fraud.
Disciplinary action is pending against two University officials. The disciplinary action in respect of Mr A M Ngubane (referred to above) is already finalised and he was dismissed by the University Disciplinary Committee.
About 598 cases are being investigated in respect of the irregularities.
For more info contact Elsebe de Waal from the Public Protectors Office on 012-3222916
7 November 1996