The University of Cape Town (UCT) has recently received the final report from the panel led by retired Judge Lex Mpati, which was investigating governance problems that engulfed the institution last year.
However, the University of Cape Town has decided to keep the report confidential until it is considered by the council.
The investigation, which began in January, originally focused on former vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng and ex-council chairperson Babalwa Ngonyama’s tenure at UCT.
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The panel aimed to determine whether the two individuals misled the council regarding the sudden departure of Lis Lange, the deputy vice-chancellor for learning and teaching.
However, the terms of reference for the panel were later amended due to a legal opinion cautioning possible litigation if the panel made findings against Phakeng. The amended terms also included general governance matters.
Phakeng was concerned about reputational harm and a non-disclosure agreement reached with her led to the changes in the terms of reference.
Despite criticism from some MPs who called the investigation a ‘waste of time and money’, UCT defended the process. Council deputy chairperson Malcolm Campbell stated that the investigation was necessary, even though the individuals in question had already left UCT.
Campbell emphasized that the investigation addressed broader governance matters and that Phakeng’s exit was amicable.
The panel’s interim report, released in May, made scathing findings against Ngonyama, prompting her resignation. However, she promptly challenged the interim report in court.
UCT acknowledges that stakeholders expect to be informed about the report’s contents and recommendations. The university has assured that further details will be provided as soon as it is appropriate to do so.
