Durban - The dean of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine has stepped down, apparently to take on other responsibilities.
This comes almost two weeks after the university’s Student Representative Council (SRC) embarked on strike action, demanding that Professor Richard Hift be removed.
They have called for a black dean to be appointed to allow for transformation at the university.
UKZN spokesman Lesiba Seshoka confirmed Hift had stepped down.
He denied it was due to the recent turmoil at the medical school, but rather because Hift had other commitments.
SRC chairman, Makabongwe Magudulela, said: “We are happy about this. As much as we would now like a black dean to take over, we have to let the university follow their own procedures to appoint a new person.”
In an e-mail sent by the university, the deputy vice-chancellor and head of the college of health sciences, Professor Rob Slotow, said: “Hift has stepped aside from the role of dean and head of the school of clinical medicine, where he has made an immense contribution to improving the delivery of the school across the areas of human capital development, knowledge generation and impact on society.”
Hift’s move also comes at a time when the university has been placed under the spotlight for alleged bribery and corruption regarding the sale of sought-after places at the medical school, which the Sunday Tribune exposed in June.
Hift did not respond to queries at the time of going to print.
After the allegations of corruption in the enrolment process, the university’s executive management appointed independent forensic auditors KPMG to investigate.
“The university is committed to high standards of ethical behaviour, integrity and upholding the rule of law.
“Acts of fraud, bribery and other corrupt behaviour will not be tolerated in any of the university’s activities. We are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigations,” the university said.
The institution urged anyone who could help with information about corrupt practices to contact the KPMG Ethics Service on the hotline: 0800 204 306 or e-mail [email protected]
Sunday Tribune