The University of Fort Hare has suspended its vice-chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, following a forensic audit that uncovered rule violations. Dr Nthabiseng Taole-Mjimba has been appointed acting vice-chancellor. The move coincides with an ongoing Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into two decades of alleged corruption and maladministration at the institution.
The University of Fort Hare council suspended Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu after a forensic audit revealed that he and three senior staff members hired two executive directors without council approval. The council gave Buhlungu an opportunity to contest the action before appointing Dr Nthabiseng Taole-Mjimba, the deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Partnerships and Innovation, as acting vice-chancellor until the disciplinary process concludes.
This suspension aligns with a broad SIU investigation, authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October 2024 and expanded to cover 2004 to 2024. The probe examines irregular admissions and degree awards, particularly in the Faculty of Health Sciences; corruption in campus maintenance and student residences since 2009; maladministration of student allowances; and mismanagement of projects like the Nguni Cattle Development Trust. SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho noted that an investigation into honours degrees in Public Administration from 2004 to 2020 has concluded, with findings referred for possible qualification revocations.
Ongoing SIU work includes probes into master's degrees, postdoctoral programmes, and the Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme, linked to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who was deregistered after allegedly enrolling without an honours degree. Infrastructure investigations have identified irregular service provider appointments, while CCTV contracts at the Alice staff village await proclamation amendments. Makgotho said Buhlungu's suspension is too recent to assess its impact on the SIU's efforts.
Union leaders Lulamile Sihunu of Nehawu, Grant Abbott of the National Tertiary Education Union, and Godfrey Ganya of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter welcomed the suspension in a 7 April statement, calling for accountability but criticizing media narratives that they say distort council processes. The SIU expects to submit its final report to Ramaphosa by 30 September.
