THE Council of Mangosuthu University of Technology has suspended the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the uMlazi-anchored institution Prof Nokuthula Sibiya with immediate effect pending disciplinary processes.
Image: TUMI Pakkies Independent Newspapers
The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has been thrust into a major leadership shake-up following the suspension of three of its most senior executives.
The university's council announced on Thursday that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Planning, Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase, and the Senior Director for Operations, Dr Buhlebakhe Msomi, have all been placed on immediate suspension.
In a formal communication addressed to staff and the broader university community, Council Chairperson Dr Mosidi Makgae said the suspensions were necessary while a disciplinary process against the executives is finalised.
Although the nature of the disciplinary issues was not disclosed, the decision marks one of the most significant governance interventions at the institution in recent years.
THE MANGOSUTHU University of Technology's council chairperson Dr Mosidi Mokgae who issued the notice of immediate suspension of the instutition's three most senior executives yesterday including the vice-chancellor and principal.
Image: Mangosuthu University of Technology
MANGOSUTHU University of Technology's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Planning, Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase who was among the three senior executives who were suspended with immediate effect yesterday by the institution's council.
Image: Mangosuthu University of Technology
Dr Makgae acknowledged that suspending three high-ranking executives simultaneously could create uncertainty and instability within the institution, particularly as universities rely heavily on consistent leadership to oversee academic, administrative and operational functions.
"To mitigate (a) potential leadership vacuum and to ensure institutional stability," the Council resolved to immediately appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor. After consultations with the Senate and the Institutional Forum, the Council appointed Dr Anette Mienie, currently Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), to take over the reins.
The announcement of the three executives' suspension came shortly before the institution's annual fundraising gala dinner last night at The Oyster Box in uMhlanga, where the IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa was one of the speakers.
MUT is named after the late IFP president Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, whose son, Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi as well as the IFP's national executive committee member, Thulasizwe Buthelezi were present at last night's dinner.
Dr Mienie assumes the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor with immediate effect and will hold the position until further notice.
In the statement, Dr Makgae appealed for patience, cooperation and unity, noting the importance of institutional resilience during periods of governance turbulence.
"Your cooperation and support in enabling her to stabilise MUT during this period is appreciated," she said in a statement.
The council further indicated that it will soon embark on an external Expression of Interest process, indicating its objective of strengthening long-term leadership capacity at the institution.
MANGOSUTHU University of Technology's Senior Director of Operations, Dr Buhlebakhe Msomi, is one of the senior executives who was suspended on Thursday by the Council of the institution.
Image: Mangosuthu University of Technology
Dr Sibiya took the reins of the uMlazi-based institution last year, a year in which MUT was celebrating its 45th anniversary. This year the institution was plagued by a spate of killings of its transport unit staff. In June this year, Lucky Xolani "Londi" Dlamini, 53, who had served the institution for 35 years, was gunned down by unknown men on his way to work. His killing was followed by that of Zenzele Mqadi, 50, in August, who also worked in the same unit as Dlamini.
Mqadi was with his young child in the car when gunmen pounced on him. He was the brother of businessman Max Mqadi, the owner of Max's Lifestyle.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE