The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) council has still not appointed an independent panel to investigate allegations of misconduct against vice-chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, and council chair, Babalwa Ngonyama.
Also read: UCT Council conflict: a stark divide in finding a way forward
According to News24, tensions reached a boiling point on Monday evening when differing factions fundamentally disagreed about the way forward with political science lecturer Lwazi Lushaba telling fellow council member Shuab Manjra to “shut up.”
Tensions were high from the onset when the deputy council chairperson, Pheladi Gwangwa, objected to a legal opinion that found she was conflicted in acting as chair of council in Ngonyama’s absence.
It is understood that the meeting was marred with delays and mudslinging, which resulted in Gwangwa “withdrawing in protest” after failing to prevent the meeting from proceeding.
The withdrawal saw Tshidi Mokgabudi take over as chair before two more board members resigned.
Legal advisor Michelle O’Sullivan found that Phakeng and Ngonyama should not have participated in a previous council meeting, when council voted on a motion to institute an independent investigation into allegations that they misled the senate and council about the true reasons for the early exit of deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, Liz Lange.
O’Sullivan also found that Gwangwa should not have allowed Ngonyama to participate in a matter that she was directly involved in and should recuse herself to avoid a further conflict of interest.
Responding through her lawyers, Gwangwa then accused UCT of “weaponising” O’Sullivan’s legal opinion and argued that a motion of no confidence against Gwangwa would be unlawful.
“Should council proceed with the meeting and unlawfully remove our client – we will have no option but to bring an urgent court application to ensure that no irreparable harm falls on our client, and to restore the rule of law,” read a letter from Gwnagwa’s legal team.
“The environment in council has become so toxic … our client believes that there is no objectivity left,” it stated.
Council could not agree on a motion of no confidence in Gwangwa, voting to proceed with determining the terms of reference of the independent probe and to select the retired judge along with the panel of experts to provide support.
Lushaba then took the lead in rubbishing attempts to have the terms passed as extensive debate ensued, resulting in allegations of filibustering from supporters of the independent probe.
After accusing Lushaba of disrespecting the decisions of the acting chair, Mokgabudi, News24 reports that the political scientist lecturer told Manjra to “shut up.”
The acting chair excused herself just before 10pm, leaving a smaller council to vote for continued discussions late into the night.
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library