[DEBATE] : More university dirty linen...

[Russell Grinker]

This from yesterday's Daily Dispatch:

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Don't let the spin detract you from demanding the truth from UFH 

HAVING read the speech by Education Minister Naledi Pandor at the recent
Fort Hare graduation, and seen pictures of the vice-chancellor depicted as a
role model, calling on investment in the Eastern Cape, I feel morally
compelled to call for a commission of enquiry into this institution which,
hopefully, will result in judicial management thereof. 

The public propaganda and the actual realities are at odds, that is, if
newspaper reports and personal accounts emerging over the last year or so
are to be believed. 

I specifically refer to the following: 

Chaos in payment of tutors 

Chaos at registration 

Apartheid-style policies 

Incorrect marks left unchanged despite knowledge thereof 

Incorrect degrees issued 

Union bashing 

Attrition and dismissal of senior former Rhodes staff 

Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination 

Curriculum design of a poor academic standard 

Incoherent salary structures 

Denials and projection of blame, which are later withdrawn with admissions
of liability 

Inconsistent application of disciplinary procedures 

Dreadful staff conditions of service 

Major controversies around the validity of collective agreements 

Visions for the future that defy logic 

Tolerance of incompetence 

Poor staff morale 

Commander-in-chief style management 

Poor research output 

Council members implicated in financial irregularities. This institution
must be held accountable for its current actions and not be allowed to hide
behind a history it projects as the current reality of UFH. 

The spin, denials and other more sinister actions should not deter the
public, alumni and students from demanding an objective assessment of what
the current realities are. - Peter McLeod, Nahoon