UCT rejects article

YOUR article titled “UCT prof slams Max Price over race” (June 4, 2018) refers.

Please note that the Cape Times refers to Dr Max Price as the former Vice-Chancellor. This is an error. Dr Price is the current Vice-Chancellor, and will remain so until June 30, 2018.

The Cape Times further stated: “The appointment of Lis Lange, a white candidate from Argentina, has been met with outrage, with activists saying she did not meet the equity requirements nor key criteria as advertised for the post.” This leaves the impression the campus objected to the appointment.

This is not true. The appointment was supported and welcomed by the selection committee, the Senate, and the Council. All these bodies independently viewed the candidate and her extensive experience in South African higher education as meeting the key criteria of the post. The objection came after the selection process was concluded, and came from the unsuccessful candidate and some members of the Black Academic Caucus.

The Cape Times opted to quote the unsuccessful candidate about what Dr Price apparently said to her. Although UCT was contacted for comment, this claim was not put to the institution for a response in accordance with the journalistic principles of fairness and balance. Dr Price rejects this version as untrue.

We further reject the claim the process was unfair and that the unsuccessful candidate was not seriously and properly considered by the selection committee. This is not factual. The insinuation Dr Price personally could block an appointment is inaccurate. The process does not allow it, with a selection committee of over 20 independent representatives. Dr Price also did not chair the committee.

The heading and sub-heading of the story personalises the matter between Dr Price and the unsuccessful candidate. This is unfortunate. Dr Price was but one member of a large selection committee. UCT reiterates that we believe the selection process was rigorous, fair and transparent.

The selection committee included representatives of multiple constituencies and was demographically very well represented.

The committee agreed overwhelmingly that the successful candidate was appropriately qualified and deserving of the job, and that the unsuccessful candidate was not.

We are confident that this was the correct decision and that the legal process will confirm this. Elijah Moholola Manager: Media Liaison and Social Media, Communication and Marketing Department: UCT