VUT’s acting chancellor, union boss bend the rules
Report accuses two of alleged nepotism
An acting deputy vice-chancellor and a union boss at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have been suspended for alleged corruption.
This is after an independent probe instituted by VUT’s former vice-chancellor professor Irene Moutlana against acting deputy vice-chancellor Dr Segopane Seroka revealed nepotism was rife at the institution, and people were hired without following proper processes.
Seroka and Nehawu (National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union) chairman Joseph Radebe were fingered for nepotism by the investigators. Their suspension, pending a disciplinary hearing, was confirmed by university’s spokesman Mike Khuboni.
The report by Pule Attorneys found Seroka was involved in the appointment of his daughter, Ragosebo Mabitsela, as well as the escalation of her salary.
When Mabitsela was first employed her contract was signed by executive director of operations and logistics Ngwenyankomo Zingitwa.
However, when testifying, Zingitwa said Seroka asked him to employ his daughter “as a favour”, and he had received Mabitsela’s CV from Seroka. Mabitsela was first employed at the university in August 2013 and earned R8 000 a month.
“On this appointment Zingitwa confirmed that it was him who initially appointed her. He testified further that he was requested to appoint her as a favour to Seroka who had indicated that his daughter had not been able to find employment since she obtained a diploma,” reads the report.
Two years later, Mabitsela was appointed project co-ordinator on a three-month contract and her salary increasedtoR16 191.
Zingitwa said this position did not exist on the university’s organogram. However, her contract was extended and her salary rose to R20 424.
Seroka denied involvement in the hiring of his daughter and put the blame on Zingitwa. Investigators have rejected Seroka’sclaims.
The report also revealed that Radebe had a hand in his wife being employed permanently when other temporary staff were let go. It also emerged other people who had been at the institution longer and were more qualified were let go, but she was retained.
The report suggested Radebe must be held accountable for the role he played in drawing up the names of people that were absorbed permanently as it was “manipulated”.
Last week, VUT announced former Unisa registrar professor Gordon Zide as vice-chancellor. Seroka would not comment on the matter until he received his charges and Radebe could not be reached for comment.