Academic Rhoda Kadalie has resigned from the Stellenbosch University council because she said it was racist in its appointment of a new dean of the Faculty of Military Science, chosen by a two-thirds majority.
Kadalie refused to identify the losing candidate, but Die Burger identified him as a Dr Baker, attached to a US military academy. The incumbent Samuel Tshehla was the acting dean.
The university has stood by his appointment, saying it was “subject to a thorough selection and appointment process within the formal structures of Stellenbosch University”.
Kadalie told the Cape Times on Wednesday the lesser qualified of the two applicants had been appointed because he was black. Kadalie resigned from the council after a meeting on Monday night where it was announced Tshehla would be appointed dean for the Faculty of Military Science.
Paul Cluver, chairman of the university council, said 16 applications had been received for the post, and four candidates had been shortlisted by the joint appointments committee of council after thorough consideration of all the relevant factors.
“The Faculty Board had eliminated two candidates and submitted a final list of two candidates – with Dr Tshehla as the preferred candidate – to senate for consideration.”
He said the senate had decided in favour of Tshehla by an overwhelming majority after considering both the final candidates’ achievements.
Their proposal was sent to the council on Monday. Cluver said after discussion council had decided in favour of Tshehla by a two-thirds majority of votes and his appointment had been forwarded to the SANDF.
He said the position had to be filled by someone able to manage the “sensitive partnership” between the university and the SANDF.
“After thorough consideration, Dr Tshehla was found to be the candidate who understood the complex nature of this relationship and the environment, and who would probably fill the management role the best.”
He said it was not in the interest of the other candidate to reveal his identity, due to the confidential nature of the application process.
Kadalie told the Cape Times that Tshehla had been appointed because he was black, despite being unqualified for the position.
“Two candidates were discussed. Two candidates were proposed for appointment. And they chose the weaker one. One candidate is head, shoulders and body over the other.”
Asked whether the council had appointed Tshehla because of his race, Kadalie said: “Yes. Definitely. I understand the need for affirmative action, but you can headhunt someone more appropriate.”
She said the council had refused to listen to her reasoning. “I feel they don’t put the interests of the university first. - Cape Times