Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Msindisi Fengu
Published on 2024-04-07 21:50:05
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is taking allegations of conflict of interest very seriously. The university’s head of corporate communications, Dumile Mlambo, stated that any such allegations would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action would be taken if necessary. This comes after a report by Daily Maverick revealed that the son of a senior VUT executive, Kediemetse Mokotsi, received a bursary from De Beers while also receiving funding for staff dependents.
VUT had previously defended the arrangement, but a former SRC leader described it as a “gross abuse of power and conflicted interests.” Mokotsi, who is the acting executive director for advancement at VUT, played a key role in the agreement between VUT and De Beers in 2012, which led to the establishment of the Khula Weekend School (KWS). The KWS program aimed to assist learners in grades 10 to 12 in various subjects and later extended to help matriculants further their studies at universities.
Mokotsi’s son, Bongani Mokotsi, benefitted from the KWS program and completed his National Diploma in Information Technology in 2019 and his Bachelor of Technology in 2020. Records show that between 2016 and 2019, VUT paid him over R42,000, while De Beers paid him over R115,000 during the same period for tuition purposes.
In response to the allegations, VUT confirmed that the matter had been brought to the attention of the council and that they were committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and ethical work environment. However, new details emerged suggesting that Bongani Mokotsi may have received more money than what was allocated for deserving students through the bursary program funded by De Beers.
De Beers clarified that they had allocated R20,000 per year for each student for registration and tuition purposes. However, records show that Bongani Mokotsi received varying amounts over the years, raising concerns about potential overpayments. When approached for comment, De Beers redirected inquiries to VUT and confirmed that the KWS program had been discontinued.
Other universities were also contacted to determine if they had similar agreements with De Beers. Sol Plaatje University, North-West University, University of the Western Cape, and Stellenbosch University all stated that they were not part of the KWS program and outlined their respective policies on bursaries and scholarships.
It is evident that the allegations of conflict of interest at VUT have raised serious concerns about ethical practices and transparency within the institution. As investigations continue, it is essential for universities to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all students and staff members.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
