- Unisa says Blade Nzimande is still studying the official report of the ministerial task team.
- It follows a leaked report, which claimed there was corruption and mismanagement at the university.
- Unisa asked its stakeholders to allow the minister the necessary space to process the report.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) says Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande is still studying the official report of the ministerial task team (MTT).
It follows the leaking of a report, which alleges there is corruption and mismanagement at the university.
On Wednesday, the university council welcomed the confirmation by Nzimande that he was in possession of the official report from the MTT.
"This affirms the position articulated by the council that it has not received the report of the MTT," the university said in a statement.
The university added that the council and the university were aware of the MTT, and had collaborated with its engagement processes.
READ | Report questioning quality of Unisa qualifications 'malicious', university says
"Our expectation is that when the minister has finished studying the report, he will formally engage with council and the university through formal communication channels. Council will then consider the report and respond directly to the minister through appropriate channels."
The Sunday Times reported that the university was "a 'qualifications factory', where degrees and diplomas were churned out to dissatisfied students".
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Unisa cautioned its stakeholders about the danger of exploiting a leaked report in a manner that was misleading, out of context, and thus causing unnecessary panic across the university community and its alumni.
"This may also condone dealing with official matters outside the framework of the law and the terms of reference of the MTT," Unisa added.
The university said it had hundreds of selfless academics, non-academic staff and a vibrant student community that worked hard to achieve results.
"Their efforts should be protected against those who profit from damaging the reputation of the institution."
The council called on all stakeholders, especially staff and students, to allow the minister the necessary space to process the report, and, thereafter, formally engage with the university and other relevant stakeholders.
