Durban: Five of the suspended University of KwaZulu-Natal top executives have been cleared of misconduct.
Professors Renuka Vithal, John Mubangizi, Cheryl Potgieter, Deogratius Jaganyi and former director of corporate communications, Lesiba Seshoka, had their suspensions lifted on Friday.
They allegedly accused the vice-chancellor of racism.
In a communication issued to staff and students this week, the chair of the UKZN council, Dr Vukile Mehana, confirmed that no disciplinary processes linked to misconduct would be instituted against them.
The executives, four of whom were deputy vice-chancellors, signed a letter in 2015 accusing Dr Albert van Jaarsveld of pushing an “all white” leadership structure, being racist and prejudiced, being incompetent, flouting university policies and soliciting complaints against executives.
Tensions were heightened when they objected to his idea of building a R300million business school which would be moved from the Westville campus to uMhlanga, saying it wasn’t in the best interests of the university.
An inquiry was conducted by advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza and a report thereafter cleared the vice-chancellor. It also recommended the executives be fired.
They were placed on suspension in January on full salaries.
The Sunday Tribune learnt from a reliable source at UKZN, who did not want to be named, that the executives were offered settlement packages which included being paid out for a negotiated period based on the remaining terms of their contracts.
Their total payments are believed to exceed R10m, in addition to the more than R7m in pay they received while suspended.
They were also initially asked to hand in their cellphones to the university due to “intellectual property” issues, but objected.
Attorney Phumelele Shabalala, acting on behalf of the four executives, said the matter had just been finalised. He confirmed individual settlements were reached. “We are still discussing the way forward. For now, we have an agreement with the university,” said Shabalala.
Potgieter was represented by another attorney.
Meanwhile, individuals have taken up positions at UZKN in an acting capacity to make up for the suspended five. Mehana said the positions would be stabilised after the matter was discussed at the next council meeting.
He also said he could not comment on the settlement agreements as it was a legal matter.
Student representative council president Noxolo Bhengu said students were sad to learn of the executives’ departure as it believed they were treated unfairly.
“We would have loved to work with them. Some were progressive and sympathetic towards student issues. They were always willing to assist us.
“We know their matter was not treated fairly and this entire process hasn’t been handled the way it should have been.
“It didn’t have to come to this, but the process has brought us to where we are. It does not satisfy the SRC, but we have to accept it. We wish the executives all the best for the future,” said Bhengu.