Will Unisa take action after council president’s arrest for alleged electoral intimidation?
Dabampe's arrest has raised questions about the implications for his position at Unisa.
Unisa spokesperson Thomas Huma stated that the university will follow its internal policies and governance rules to determine the appropriate action regarding its convocation president and council member, Justice Dabampe. Dabampe was arrested on 2 November over allegations of intimidating electoral officials and contravening the Electoral Act, while serving as a member of the university’s council.
The university spokesperson added that Unisa has its own policies and procedures for addressing matters involving alleged misconduct. Dabampe was released on R500 bail and is expected to return to court on 12 November. Police allege that an incident occurred at a voting station in Christiana, where a presiding officer questioned the accreditation of a group accompanying a voter who wished to photograph and record proceedings.
Allegedly, one individual threatened to destroy ballot papers if he was not allowed to vote, but electoral officials permitted him to do so while videos were recorded. Dabampe, who was elected Unisa’s convocation president in June 2024, holds a leadership role in the university’s governance structures. Unisa has not yet disclosed whether it intends to launch an investigation, refer the matter to a disciplinary structure, or consider Dabampe’s continued involvement in council activities while the criminal case is ongoing.
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