UKZN official statement: clarifying Professor Morojele's dismissal claim

It is a matter of regret that Professor Morojele elected to publish his letter in the Sunday Tribune without first concluding formal engagement with the University or the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

It is evident that he feels aggrieved, and while the matter remains before the CCMA, it would be inappropriate for the University to comment on the specific disciplinary issues or the factual basis of his dismissal.

However, the broad and sweeping nature of the article demands a response—not to litigate the matter in public, but to clarify the institutional context and reaffirm the University’s commitment to lawful governance.

Professor Morojele’s letter frames his dismissal as a principled stand against governance breaches. That is his prerogative. Yet factually incorrect!

Tellingly he provides no substantiated details or evidence of the alleged misconduct, nor does he reference any formal whistleblowing process undertaken in accordance with institutional or statutory procedures to lodge his issues before his disciplinary process begun.

To that end, the University expressly reserves all its rights and will assess its legal options once the CCMA process has concluded and the relevant facts are formally established. Until then, UKZN will not compromise the integrity of legal proceedings by engaging in public speculation or trial by media.

The University categorically rejects any suggestion that it retaliates against ethical leadership or punishes lawful conduct.

These assertions, while emotive, are not borne out by the facts currently under review at the CCMA. The CCMA process exists precisely to adjudicate such disputes impartially, and the University will respect its findings.

The University remains committed to transparency, lawful conduct, and the protection of whistleblowers—within the bounds of established procedures.

We will continue to uphold institutional integrity, protect our staff and students, and ensure that governance is not evoked to pursue personal grievances under the opportunity of parliamentary distinct oversight process.

Professor Morojele’s right to express his views, if they are factual, is protected by the constitution. Equally, the University has a duty to safeguard its institutional reputation and ensure that public discourse is grounded in fact, not conjecture or supposition.

This too, is governed by the same constitution of this great Republic. We trust that the CCMA process will provide clarity, and we remain open to constructive engagement within the appropriate legal and institutional channels. | Normah Zondo, Executive Director: Corporate Relations, University of KwaZulu-Natal