CPUT to be taken to task for missing oversight meeting

CHAIRPERSON for the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Connie September said the committee would seek legal action to subpoena the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) university council after they failed to attend an oversight meeting held at the institute yesterday.

The committee undertook an oversight visit to CPUT to discuss leadership instabilities, filling of vacancies and accommodation issues.

All stakeholders attended the meeting apart from the university council who, September said, should be held accountable.

“The Higher Education Act compels the university council to attend. We are going to seek legal action.

“The visit is a follow-up of the meeting of the committee with the university in September in Parliament.

“The purpose of the visit was to engage with the university’s stakeholders’ council, institutional forum, labour unions and the SRC on the legislative role in ensuring that stability was restored at the university,” said September.

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said they would be in attendance at a follow-up meeting.

“The meeting was expected to be followed-up by a presentation to the committee from the CPUT council and follow-up engagements where clarity on some of the issues would be provided,” said Kansley.