Cape Town - UCT is in the process of reviewing its senior executive appointment policy with the current lengthy turnaround time of finalising such appointments also being considered.
This, as some progress has been made in the processes of recruiting a suitable person to fill the controversial post of deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) for transformation.
UCT was rocked by drama earlier this year after the appointment of 69-year-old retired Emeritus Professor Martin Hall as the acting DVC for transformation.
Hall was to replace black female Professor Loretta Feris on a R2-million salary package at a time when academics, staff and unions had been ordered to make cut-backs.
This also led to the shock resignation of convocation president Eddy Maloka.
The DVC for transformation post was advertised on June 29, with the closing date being July 23.
UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said the advertisement was placed on the usual university platforms for posts which includes the university’s website and other external platforms including newspapers.
“The selection committee is scheduled to meet and go through the applications in due course. Any relevant updates will be provided after the process has gone through the relevant phases, noting that there are several stakeholders to be consulted and kept updated throughout the recruitment process.”
Moholola said the selection committee for the position had to be approved by Council in accordance with the UCT policy on the appointment of new Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
“The university is working on filling the vacancy as soon as possible, taking into consideration all the necessary processes that have to be followed as part of the recruitment.”
Vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng is filling the role of former convocation president Maloka on an interim basis until a president is elected at an AGM.
According to Moholola the election of the convocation president is attended to at the AGM of Convocation which is due later this year.
UCT Black Academic Caucus said: “We encourage the University to follow its own Employment Equity policies that it has recently approved and we hope a suitable qualified candidate from designated groups will be recruited as soon as possible and will be supported in this important executive position.”
Cape Times