UFH Council Responds to Media Reports on Prof Buhlungu and Reaffirms Governance Obligations
At its core, the matter before Council concerns an alleged breach of governance by the University’s accounting officer.
The Council of the University of Fort Hare notes recent public commentary and media reports concerning the precautionary suspension of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
Council is mindful that this decision has, in some quarters, been interpreted through the lenses of politicisation, power contestation, institutional capture, and allegations of a witch hunt, it said in a statement on Monday.
While public engagement on matters of governance is both expected and legitimate, such interpretations are not borne out by the facts.
At its core, the matter before Council concerns an alleged breach of governance by the University’s accounting officer.
Council’s actions are neither discretionary nor reactive. They arise from a clear statutory mandate. The Higher Education Act and the University’s Statute impose binding obligations on Council to act where governance standards are implicated. To have failed to act in the circumstances would have constituted a dereliction of duty.
It is necessary to reaffirm that governance frameworks are not optional instruments, to be applied selectively or at convenience. They are the foundation upon which institutional integrity, public trust, and accountability are sustained.
Council further reiterates that a precautionary suspension is a recognised administrative measure. It does not constitute a finding of guilt, but serves to preserve the integrity, independence, and credibility of ongoing processes.
In discharging its responsibilities, Council acts collectively, guided by law, principle, and its fiduciary duty to the University. No individual, irrespective of position, stands above the application of due process.
A disciplinary hearing, to be chaired by an independent senior legal practitioner, is planned to take place in due course. The appointment process is at an advanced stage, and the hearing will proceed in accordance with applicable legal provisions and prescribed timeframes.
The University continues to function normally, with its academic mission and institutional operations proceeding without disruption.