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Higher Education & Training media_statement

Higher Education & TrainingRef: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SiteAssets/Media%20Advisory%20and%20Statement%202026/MINISTER%20MANAMELA%20CONCERNED%20ABOUT%20THE%20DEVELOPMENTS%20AT%20THE%20UNIVERSITY%20OF%20VENDA.pdf

Official source

Source domain: dhet.gov.za

Collected on 28 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 28 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a media release issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Training on 21 July 2026. Minister Buti Manamela says he is concerned about governance and leadership developments at the University of Venda following anonymous allegations against the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Operations Officer, which have escalated despite earlier resolution attempts. He states that, to prevent further deterioration, he has notified the University Council of his intention to appoint an Independent Assessor under section 44(1) of the Higher Education Act, and the Council has 14 days to make representations. The Independent Assessor would investigate the allegations and the state and effectiveness of governance and executive management structures.

Facts

Reference

https://www.dhet.gov.za/SiteAssets/Media%20Advisory%20and%20Statement%202026/MINISTER%20MANAMELA%20CONCERNED%20ABOUT%20THE%20DEVELOPMENTS%20AT%20THE%20UNIVERSITY%20OF%20VENDA.pdf

Parties

Resolution to resolve matters through university

Key Takeaways

  • University of Venda governance crisis following anonymous allegations
  • Meeting between Minister Buti Manamela and University Executive Management and Council on 5 June 2026
  • Resolution to resolve matters through university governance structures rather than continued litigation
  • Escalation including reports on precautionary suspension of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Chief Operations Officer
  • Minister uses section 44(1) Higher Education Act governance instrument to notify Council of intention to appoint an Independent Assessor
  • Independent Assessor to investigate allegations and governance/executive management effectiveness
  • University Council has 14 days to make representations to the Minister
  • Media/public asked to allow statutory process without interference or undue speculation
  • Issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Training
  • Enquiries: Matshepo Seedat, 082 679 9473
  • Minister Buti Manamela
  • University of Venda
  • University Council
  • Executive Management
  • Vice-Chancellor and Principal (unnamed)
  • Chief Operating Officer / Chief Operations Officer (unnamed)
  • Department of Higher Education and Training
  • Higher Education Act (section 44(1))
  • Matshepo Seedat

Dates

Closing Date

5 June 2026