Minister appoints Independent Assessor to probe governance issues at University of Venda
Professor Norman Duncan tasked with a 90‑day fact‑finding inquiry into governance, management and financial concerns at UNIVEN following months of engagement with Council.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has appointed Professor Norman Duncan as Independent Assessor to the University of Venda (UNIVEN) in terms of sections 44 and 47 of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997), as amended.
Professor Duncan is a highly respected South African academic and psychologist with a long career in university leadership, governance, and social psychology. He is currently Professor Emeritus and former Vice‑Principal: Academic at the University of Pretoria
The appointment, published in the Government Gazette on 11 August 2026, follows sustained engagement between the Department and the University over governance and administrative challenges affecting the institution.
In June, Minister Manamela met with the UNIVEN Council to discuss developments at the University. The following month, he formally notified Council of his intention to appoint an Independent Assessor and invited representations. Council submitted its views, which were considered before the Minister reached a final decision.
After assessing Council’s representations and all information before him, the Minister concluded that an independent assessment is necessary to establish the source and nature of the governance and management difficulties at UNIVEN, and to advise on measures to strengthen institutional stability.
The Minister emphasised that appointing an Independent Assessor is not equivalent to appointing an administrator and does not displace Council or executive management from their lawful responsibilities.
Professor Duncan will conduct an investigation in line with the terms of reference published in the Gazette. The assessment will consider, among other issues:
governance decisions of Council relating to precautionary suspensions, litigation, and Council’s capacity to fulfil its statutory duties;
the functioning and effectiveness of Council and Executive Management, including the relationship between these structures and its impact on governance and administration;
whether the ability of Council and Executive Management members to fulfil their statutory and fiduciary duties has been compromised;
financial decisions and concessions made by Council, including legal fees and their impact on the University’s financial sustainability;
governance challenges relating to the Convocation, including matters concerning its Constitution; and
any other matter that, in the Assessor’s opinion, affects the effective governance, management or administration of the University.
Professor Duncan will report directly to the Minister, providing findings and recommended measures, together with reasons for those recommendations. He is required to submit his written report within 90 days of the notice’s publication and must conduct the investigation in accordance with the Higher Education Act, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, and principles of procedural fairness.
“The appointment of an Independent Assessor is not a punitive measure and should not be interpreted as a finding against any individual or structure of the University. It is an independent fact‑finding process intended to establish the facts and assist us in determining what measures, if any, are required to strengthen governance and management at UNIVEN,” said Minister Manamela.
“Our overriding responsibility is to protect the academic mandate of the University and the interests of its students, staff and the broader public. The University must remain focused on teaching, learning, research and student support while this process is under way,” he added.
The Minister called on Council, Executive Management, staff, students, Convocation and all stakeholders to cooperate fully with Professor Duncan and provide all necessary information. He further urged all parties to allow the Assessor to carry out his responsibilities independently and without interference.
Minister Manamela wished Professor Duncan well in undertaking this important assignment and said he looks forward to receiving the report and recommendations.
©Higher Education Media Services.