Unisa council fires audit committee chair over confidential breach

The University of South Africa (Unisa) council has dismissed the chair of its audit committee, Gratitude Ramphaka, following allegations of breaching confidentiality, concerns over the committee's functioning, and a deterioration in the relationship between Unisa and Ramphaka. Council informed Ramphaka of the termination on 15 October, following a review of a code of conduct committee report.

The letter cited potential sharing of confidential council information with external parties, including the media, alongside doubts about the audit committee's performance and adherence to the code of conduct. Ramphaka reportedly sought intervention from the Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, regarding unresolved irregularities, delayed forensic investigations, and complaints against senior university officials.

The council stated that these issues significantly undermined its trust in continuing their working relationship with Ramphaka and questioned its capacity to carry out its governance duties effectively. The letter directed Ramphaka to halt her council responsibilities and return any university property, confidential documents, and access devices in her possession.

Ramphaka was instructed to cease all council-related duties, to the best of her ability, and return all pertinent university assets. The termination was signed off by Dan Mosia, chair of the code of conduct committee, on behalf of the council.

Unisa did not disclose further details about the allegations when approached for comment, stating that they have no formal relationship with Ramphaka and declining to share past details with third parties. Ramphaka did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication. Unisa has been under growing scrutiny due to allegations of governance failures, questionable spending, irregular appointments, and the handling of whistle-blowers and critics.