Axed professor on quest for justice
ACCOUNTING academic Professor Kanthan Pillay has fought a decade-long battle with the University of Kwazulu-natal for his professorial job and his reputation.
The university levelled allegations of a personal relationship between him and his supervisor and a breakdown of trust with its then vice-chancellor, Malegapuru Makgoba.
It proceeded to fire him and withdraw his degree.
In 2014, the Labour Court ruled his dismissal had been procedurally unfair and he had been victimised.
The institution appealed against the judgment.
“I was astounded at the university’s arrogance in playing with taxpayers’ money to wage a clearly vindictive campaign,” said Pillay.
The acrimony arose during the tenure of Makgoba, who has since left the university.
All of the parties involved, including the then chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of council Vincent Maphai, Pumla Mganga and Mac Mia are also no longer at UKZN.
The case has cost Pillay hundreds of thousands in legal fees but he has not let up.
“I have repeatedly challenged the university to reveal its costs and deliberations as to why this matter remains unresolved.”
With the support of family and legions of old university comrades, the former trade unionist refuses to back down.
“Justice will eventually be served. Mine is not the only life and career that has been ruined,” he added.
This is a reference to the mountain of litigation the university was involved in during the Makgoba era.
His spirits were buoyed this week when he received a Master of Laws degree, passing the thesis with distinction from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the Eastern Cape.
His study focused on balancing the interests of employer and employee in dismissal for misconduct.
In an earlier statement the university said it was awaiting the outcome of the Labour Appeal Court process which was delayed because one of the justices had died.
Pillay says this was a case of David vs Goliath and he would stop at nothing to ensure he received the justice due.
In a previous media report, UKZN’S acting executive director for corporate relations Normah Zondo said Pillay had been dismissed for serious misconduct and the university lodged an appeal.
“The appeal was argued before the Labour Appeal Court. Unfortunately, one of the justices of this court passed away prior to judgment being delivered.
The university is currently considering its legal options in these circumstances.”