The governance turbulence at the University of Fort Hare deepened this week as the Council Chairperson, Dr Siyanda Makaula, confirmed a fresh leadership rotation at the top of the institution while a separate disciplinary process delivered a damning outcome against Registrar Njabulo Zuma, finding him guilty on several charges relating to governance breaches, confidentiality violations and misleading communication to the Minister of Higher Education.
In a communiqué issued on 1 September 2026, Makaula announced the appointment of Professor Mzukisi Njotini as Acting Vice‑Chancellor, following the conclusion of Dr Nthabiseng Taole‑Mjimba’s acting tenure on 31 August. Council emphasised that the acting arrangement remains rotational, designed to “minimise prolonged disruption to any single substantive MEC member’s portfolio” while ensuring continuity in executive leadership. The communiqué also expressed “sincere appreciation” to Dr Taole‑Mjimba for her “exemplary service, professionalism and leadership.”
Council further confirmed the precautionary suspension of the Executive Director: Infrastructure and Technology, one of the two appointments at the centre of the Registrar’s disciplinary charges. While stressing that suspension is not a finding of wrongdoing, Council moved swiftly to stabilise the division by appointing Dr Nosisa Mayaba as Acting Executive Director with immediate effect.
These developments follow the disciplinary hearing into Registrar Njabulo Zuma, held virtually via MS Teams, which concluded that he committed gross misconduct on multiple counts. The chairperson of the hearing found that Zuma failed in his duty as the University’s Compliance Officer, allowing the Vice‑Chancellor to appoint two Executive Directors without the mandatory consultation with Senate and the Institutional Forum, thereby circumventing Council’s oversight role. The ruling notes that the Registrar, described repeatedly as the “nerve centre” of institutional governance, had a proactive obligation to ensure compliance with section 19.1 of the University Statute.
Zuma was also found guilty of breaching confidentiality after circulating a sensitive in‑camera Council letter authored by senior Council members to individuals not entitled to receive it — including members of executive management. The hearing record states that this disclosure contributed to the contents being leaked and published externally, “bringing the University and its Council into disrepute.”
A third charge, assisting in preparing misleading communication to the Minister of Higher Education, was upheld. The chairperson found that Zuma helped prepare a letter sent by the then Interim Chair of Council which incorrectly conveyed that certain views and decisions had been formally resolved by Council. The Minister subsequently withheld the appointment of Advocate Tembinkosi Bonakele, relying on that letter.
The disciplinary outcome underscores the gravity of governance failures at Fort Hare, with the chairperson warning that when the Registrar’s function collapses, “the institution fails,” noting that governance breakdowns often lead universities into administration.
Meanwhile, Council also announced the approval of a new Student Governance Constitution, marking what it called “an important new chapter” in student representation and accountability. The constitution follows an independent review to ensure alignment with national legislation and the University Statute.
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