Minister Buti Manamela Engages University of Venda Leadership Amid Allegations Against Vice-Chancellor
The meeting with the Minister was convened to discuss these developments and the broader governance challenges arising from the allegations.
Following allegations levelled against the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Minister Buti Manamela met with the university’s Executive Management and Council on 5 June 2026.
The allegations, contained in anonymous letters, related to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer and contributed to strained relations within the university, including threats of suspension and subsequent litigation.
The meeting with the Minister was convened to discuss these developments and the broader governance challenges arising from the allegations.
The meeting concluded with a resolution that the parties would resolve the matters through the University’s governance structures, rather than through continued litigation, and that the Council would report back to the Minister on progress made.
Regrettably, the matters have not been resolved and have instead escalated. Recent developments, including reports relating to the precautionary suspension of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as well as the Chief Operations Officer, have raised serious concerns regarding governance, leadership and institutional stability.
Minister Manamela expressed his deep concern about these developments, which have implications for the effective functioning of the University and, most importantly, the academic project.
“The continued instability risks undermining the University’s ability to fulfil its mandate of providing quality teaching and learning as the university,” said Minister Manamela.
In light of the seriousness of the situation, and in order to prevent any further deterioration of governance at the institution, the Minister used a governance instrument available to him under section 44(1) of the Higher Education Act, by notifying the University Council of his intention to appoint an Independent Assessor at the university.
Should the Independent Assessor be appointed, they will investigate among other things, the various allegations levelled against the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the current state of governance at the University as well as the functioning and effectiveness of the University’s governance and executive management structures.
In accordance with the Higher Education Act, the University Council has been afforded 14 days within which to make representations to the Minister regarding his intention to appoint an Independent Assessor.
The Minister has appealed to the media and the public to allow the statutory process to unfold without interference or undue speculation. The appointment of an Independent Assessor is a legislated governance mechanism intended to establish the facts and make recommendations that will enable the University to restore stability and strengthen institutional governance.
Minister Manamela wishes to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the academic project at the University of Venda. He further assures students, staff and all stakeholders that the Department of Higher Education and Training will continue to support the institution to ensure that its core academic and administrative functions continue without disruption during this process.
©Higher Education Media Services.