- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Two weeks after receiving her honours degree in Education at TUT, Philile Gumede went missing. Gumede’s brother, Owen Gumede, told The Citizen that the family went to the Soshanguve police station to open a missing person’s report. Gumede said that his sister was last seen on 22 April at 09:00, after her boyfriend dropped her off. According to police spokesperson, Constable Zanele Mtsweni, there are currently no suspects. Anyone with information can contact SAPS Soshanguve Sergeant Makhubela on the following numbers: 012 730 1300 or 082 414 5436.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The father of a first-year student who drowned last year is planning to approach the Public Protector to investigate his son’s death. Mosimanegape Madiba drowned in a dam in Moorreesburg while training with UCT’s rowing team. A court in Moorreesburg held that no one, including UCT, can be held responsible for Madiba’s death. According to an article published by Eyewitness News, Madiba’s father claimed that he has officials from UCT “on record” saying that there was negligence from their side. Motsiri Madiba said, “I won’t stop until I get justice. I want the truth. I want the law to take its course.” UCT has met the family and offered assistance if required.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
On 9 May, controversial posters were put up on campus at SU. The posters advertised the meeting of an organisation called the New Right. The posters, referring to Nazi propaganda, contained the heading, “The Anglo Afrikaner Student” and the slogan, “Fight for Stellenbosch”. The university has released a statement in which it has distanced itself from the posters. According to the statement, “The posters were put up on campus without the knowledge or consent of the University, the Library or the SRC.” On 10 May, Times Live reported that the university’s Equality Unit (EU) has identified three students linked to the posters in its investigation. The students will be interviewed and further steps will be taken if necessary. SU rector, Prof. Wim de Villiers, suspended three students linked to the posters. A disciplinary process is now underway.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
CUT has appointed a new vice-chancellor, Prof. Henk de Jager, who will take office on 1 June. Prof. de Jager said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to serve as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of CUT.” Chairperson of Council, Mike Mohohlo, said, “We are convinced that no one is better suited to lead the university at this time than Prof. De Jager. He will assume this leadership responsibility when the university consolidates its position as a leading university of technology in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Medical Product Development through Additive Manufacturing (3D printing technology), as well as in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education.”
Compiled by Henri Uys
