CPUT vice-chancellor cleared of charges

CPUT’s council will not be taking action against its vice-chancellor after a probe found allegations against him had no substance.

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Cape Town - Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s council will be taking no action against the university’s vice-chancellor, Prins Nevhutalu, after a probe found allegations against him had no substance.

Members of #FeesMustFall (FMF) at CPUT had accused Nevhutalu of corruption, purging students who raised the allegations and who were involved in protest action, refusing to insource services, sexual harassment and refusing to write off student debt despite CPUT council’s request.

The university council chairperson, Mbulelo Bikwani, said external lawyers were hired to conduct an independent and objective evaluation of all documentary and oral evidence related to the allegations.

Attorneys Peter Williams and Stratford Lemboe, of Robert Charles Attorneys, found there was no evidence to support the allegations levelled against Nevhutalu.

The FMF representatives’ main allegation was that there was a corrupt relationship between Nevhutalu and the front runner of a R65 million transport tender at the university.

A FMF member, who asked not to be named, alleged Nevhutalu had earmarked CPUT as his “personal purse” and that whenever anyone challenged the vice-chancellor, they had been suspended.

”It has come as shocking news that the vice-chancellor has been cleared. Once we have consulted with our members we will release a statement on the way forward,” the student said.

Bikwani said the findings were discussed at a special council meeting.

“The lawyers found that the main allegation of financial impropriety related to the transport tender carried no weight because there are just so many processes.”

carlo.petersen@inl.co.za

Cape Times