This was Unisa’s response to questions sent by City Press late last month following allegations from sources that the university’s council had failed to institute an investigation into Makhanya’s alleged misconduct, relating to the irregular repeal of university policies to accede to demands of unionists and students.
In the complaint to council seen by City Press, the complainant alleged that Makhanya “kowtowed” to the demands of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union that he be removed from the university in April. “While similar recourse was certainly in the repertoire of solutions available at the time, the vice-chancellor chose to capitulate to the whims of Nehawu,” he said.
It was unequivocal that his placement on special leave, Goolam said, was Makhanya’s decision, not the leadership of the university’s.